About the book: 2017 / The collective work examines the processes of marginalization of a number of social, ethnic and religious groups of Soviet society in the context of the transformation of Soviet domestic policy in the 1930s–1950s. The essays reflect the main aspects characterizing the mechanisms of formation and evolution of such “shadow” elements of the social structure as rear militias, special settlers, ethno-deportants, religious outcasts, persons subject to state inspection (“filters”), and private entrepreneurs. The basics of life activity of these groups are presented (social status, appearance, adaptation practices).