Pronoza A. "Dedovhina" as a social-cultural phenomenon: mechanisms and forms of reproduction

This dissertation is devoted to the research of the phenomenon of "dedovshchina" in the army that is rather actual under the conditions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine transformation in order to make the army up to strength on the contract basis. "Dedovshchina" being considered in more general meaning is regarded to be an objectively arising under certain circumstances ambivalent subcultural phenomenon. It is displayed in interpersonal relations of military men, their special art and graphic work, folklore, traditions, customs, rituals, i. e. it has relatively developed cultural element. Such approach allows to understand this phenomenon in details for it is a cultural feature of the Armed Forces' life with both positive and negative components to reveal the reasons of its arising and existence, to get its latent mechanisms of functioning clear. The existence of "dedovshchina" as a subcultural phenomenon is caused by different needs and aspirations of military men. The author brings to light and describes latent mechanisms, ways and methods which provide the existence and reproduction of "dedovshchina". It is proved that "dedovshchina" as a subcultural phenomenon is retained in different forms during the period of transformation of the army according to the contract principle. A complex of practical recommendations for decreasing of negative influence of "dedovshchina" is formulated.