"No, no ... nastroi is closer to ustanovka than to otnoshenie" (E.L., 1983). If we have not learned it before, we are reminded by Soviet scholars that social psychological events must, for meaningful interpretation, be examined in their temporaVsocial context. To the extent that publication of a book on Soviet social psychology can be looked upon as an event, such an examination must be ventured here. The following paragraphs are designed to help readers discern what they may expect from subsequent chapters, and to forewarn of limitations that may lead to some frustration. In addition, this...