Krechetova V. Higher school as a factor in the students’ civic identity formation in modern Ukraine

Analyses of theory and methodology principles of research regarding civic identity demonstrated how interdisciplinary views on the nature of such phenomena as identification and identity could be. Using the active approach, a model of gaining identity in higher education facility is proposed, which includes the outline of system levels. Analyses of civic identity benefits and disadvantages allowed for an author’s definition of that phenomenon: awareness of the formally fixed affiliation of an individual to the community of citizens of a certain state that has substantial importance for him, and also determines his actual or potential civil practices. Outlined is the generalized indicator of civic identity, which consists of three groups of indicators: formal fixation, awareness and meaningfulness which transpire from a meaningful fulfillment of the term «civic identity». Conducted analyses showed that fundamental aspect of the research of civic identity in studentship are the analyses of social environment in which it forms. The state, culture, media create the social-political background of formation and development of civic identity of students as citizens of the certain state. It is shown, that education influences the forming of civic identity of students on meso- and micro- levels. Conducted analyses allowed for an introduction of gradations which might be used for empirical detection of civic identity on a macro level: negative identity; forced identity; neutral identity; desired identity; positive identity. The use of framing theory, «spiral of silence», media hegemony and theory of «agenda» allowed to determine the character of influence of mass media on forming the civic identity in studentship. Researches of potential of higher education in forming of civic identity of studentship showed, that inquires of such processes remain high, as forming the civic identity is not only an external task concerning the students, but answers some of the internal inquiries as well. Researches showed that the most important of the personal traits of a student, which has a value for civic identity could be obligatoriness, responsibility, high morals and thrift. By their own estimates, sufficient level of citizenship is declared by more then a half of students, which is positive in the context of development of Ukrainian statehood and civic society. On a substantial level it is also revealed that high pride for own citizenship is correlated with a low pride for Ukraine. It actualizes the question of bringing the adequacy to mentioned indicators within the framework of educational processes in higher education facilities as well as meso-level of social dynamics. The use of active approach with the use of elements of social technologization of students civic identity forming processes allowed for an author’s model of such forming. With the base provided by that model, an ability to create real-life programs and a system of events, directed to the forming of civic identity in studentship and youth, correcting its weaker components.