Hello. The core question that I am interested in is to what extent the idea of "equality" was used as a device in Soviet propaganda. I want to know if the Soviets made regular allusions to the "equality" of their citizens or if they simply referred to their citizens having better lives, being not-oppressed, etc.
IF that question is one that you cannot shed light on for me directly. Could you please recommend for me the best academic books (in English) of the history of Soviet messaging and propaganda that might be able to help me answer this question.
The Soviet government was excellent and putting messages of equality and unity through communism in propaganda. Sometimes, the citizens went along with it. Other times, they were a bit cynical and almost mocked the propaganda under the table. You can see both attitudes in this book about Soviet culture, including various works of art, writings, and conversations between Soviets that show a theme of unity being present, though not necessarily achieved/followed. Not all of it is propaganda, but you'll find a variety of responses to the government's promise that "equality" would be achieved.