Abstract EN:

The different ranks related to heroism in ussr generated an administrative system which gradually became institutionalized as the post revolutionary state expanded. Henceforth, heroes of soviet union are symbolic representatives of the soviet state according to the analysis make with the m mauss and h hubert's works, they are heroes of the state. They could not exist without the state. They forme the military elite either as field officiers or as general of moreover, they have the opportunity to make a career in government service or in politics. Heroes play an important social role within the soviet society. They take part in the process of politic legitimacy. Thet set an example for the education of the ideal homo sovieticus. The heroes'social position evidences the equality of opportunity extolled by communism. Through, social promotion, working class people are able to get high positions. "podvig", the russian equivalent for act of heroism, is the basis of social differentiation and promotion. A growing state is likely to need charismatic figures. That is why soviet heroes come into conflict with orthodox martyrs. Martyrs and saints are both "founders".