In the Shadow of the Central Planning System: The Underground Economy in the Soviet Union

Abstract

In 1980, Literaturnaia Gazeta correspondent V, Dorofeev undertook a small experiment to test the significance of the shadow economy in Soviet society. Taking a plane from Moscow to Krasnodar, he did not bring a razor, cologne, a toothbrush, shaving cream, and so on. Alter arriving in Krasnodar, Dorofeev visited every state store to buy toiletries that he desperately needed, His attempt was disastrous, After spending a whole day, he was only able to purchase a child's toothbrush, which broke when he used it With a tip from the locals, Dorofeev then went to unofficial marketplaces near lablonovskaia Street. The place was buzzing with "the abundance of everything." An old woman was selling enough soap and other scarce items to fill a medium-sized store. Another dealer flaunted cellophane-wrapped toothbrushes "in assorted colors" Everything cost several times more than the official price but no one complained. As the elderly lady commented, "If you don't like it, don't wash"(Literaturnaia Gazela, No, 13, 1981. 3, 15),