Perehuda Y. Socio-geographical study of the middle class formation of the Capital macro-region of Ukraine

In this thesis author showed feasibility of the middle class study based on the social geography methodology. Also author exposed the essence of the middle class as a social and economic phenomenon, the form of its manifestation. This thesis analyzed factors of the middle class formation at the national and regional levels, and proposed the criteria for identifying middle class, in particular economic indicators (income level, property ownership), social indicators (lifestyle, access to goods), self-identification. The reasons for the formation of the middle class in the metropolitan area are revealed, and tendencies are identified. It is revealed that in both Ukraine and within the Capital macro-region the middle class is still forming. While it has already become a coherent structure, it cannot yet be said that it is the middle class that has a decisive influence on the socio-economic situation in the region. The concept of the middle class is often defined as a part of the population with the necessary material resources, taking into account the level of education and vocational training, which includes the importance of their role in maintaining stability in the country as a whole and in the region, in particular, based on actions at the national level that should be directed on the formation of the middle class and the eradication of poverty by introducing effective reforms. It is an accepted point of view that the middle class is the basis of the sustainable development of society, prolonged and high-quality economic growth. The important research findings are based on the detailed analysis of the specifics of the middle class formation in the Capital macro-region of Ukraine (Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr regions and the city of Kyiv). Within the framework of this analysis, regional features of socio-economic inequality, poverty, approaches to their zoning were thoroughly assessed. The factors of the property stratification were identified, including the emergence of such a phenomenon as the middle class, the causes of its appearance and social functions. Furthermore, the specifics of the middle class formation were revealed in the Capital macro-region.