What was the economy like in Russia in the 1950's?

Question:

What was the economy like in Russia in the 1950's?

I need to know, was it prosperous? Was there a large middle class? Or was there a small middle class? What was the economy like? Any source you have would be great. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: On paper it was Communism. People could get the basic necessities of life, life was not exactly comfortable but there was no mass starvation. Waiting lines were common. Even though people were not paid very much they could and would save money to buy consumer goods such as automobiles which were always in short supply. Hedrick Smith wrote a book titled simply "The Russians" that covers more than the time period you are interested in, if you have time you might find it useful as a source.