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Autocratic family policy

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  • Clara E. Piano

    (Samford University)

Abstract

Families produce people. This presents a problem for autocratic regimes. On the one hand, familial production benefits the autocrat by augmenting the future productivity of the labor force. On the other hand, familial production threatens the autocrat by drawing current resources and loyalty away from the collective. This paper presents a theory of autocratic family policy in which the deciding factor is how much present control over resources an autocrat is willing to forego for future control. I apply this theory to the Soviet Union, arguing that the somersault of Soviet family policies (1917–1944) was a response to this tradeoff under different conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Clara E. Piano, 2022. "Autocratic family policy," Constitutional Political Economy, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 233-253, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:copoec:v:33:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10602-021-09356-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10602-021-09356-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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