> Citizens of USSR were poorer than their counterparts in the west
Because of internal corruption and external embargoes and a government budget that could fund a global cold war.
> collectivism
What kind collectivism can happen when anyone can snitch on their neighbour over made up reasons?
https://www.history.com/articles/kgb-soviet-russia-secret-po...
Just don't do the above, and you're fine.