* Workers believed they would be better off in the five year plans– in NEP, real wage only rose slowly and unemployment was high in the late 1920s. * Young workers were tired of their managers giving orders * It seemed unfair that engineers were given privileges from dull work.

* The group of industrial workers, also called proletarian intelligentsia were highly developed in technical skills and education. * This group did well, wage differentials were introduced, and their standard of living were higher than the broad mass of workers

* Workers in 1930s who stayed in their jobs were better off. * Training courses allowed workers improve their qualifications, position, pay and prospects. * If exceeded their targets, workers rewarded with higher pay, better working conditions and if lucky, better housing. * Also celebrated in newspapers

* Around 10 million women joined the labour force * Dominated some professions, esp. in medicine and school teaching. * Less educated, tough women became factory workers. Made up 44% of the workforce. * Women paid less and less involved in political and technical education compared to men – however, did jobs that they had not done before.

* Women had to look after home AND work. * Chances of reaching top were limited – 20/328 factory directors were women. * Only four women were head doctors – % of doctors were women.