ABSTRACT
The revival of manufacturing cooperatives that were liquidated at the turn of the 1960s and the encouragement of self-employment by individuals are essential elements of the goal of perestroika, which in several respects is supposed to contribute to a renewal and improvement not only of the economy but also of social relations. The main motive for the revitalization of cooperatives and of gainful employment by individuals is the pressing necessity to improve considerably the population's supplies. Cooperatives active in the restaurant business are allowed to buy from state firms and consumer cooperatives only such food products which are available in sufficient quantity and listed in a register sanctioned by a local executive committee. Soviet press reports often show how cooperatives are compelled to pay "protection money" to criminal groups which are organized along the lines of the Mafia.
