Socialist realism is an artistic style developed in the Soviet Union during the 1930s. It was a genre that sought to promote socialist values and ideals, emphasizing the support of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. It is characterized by its realistic approach and grandiose depictions of Soviet socialist life. Synonyms for socialist realism include Soviet realism, socialist art, communist art, proletariat art, and revolutionary art. These terms highlight the political nature of the artistic style and reinforce its purpose in promoting communist ideals. Although socialist realism has been criticized for its propaganda-like qualities, it remains an essential part of the Soviet Union's history and has had a lasting influence on art around the world.