Zelenkevich L. Socio-cultural factors and social risks of decentralization in rural communities (for example, Zaporizhzhya region)

The dissertation is devoted to the sociological study of socio - cultural factors and social risks of decentralization in rural communities (on the example of Zaporizhzhya region). The theoretical and methodological principles of the study of decentralization as a social process in the measurement of village sociology are analyzed in the paper. The social peculiarities of the village as a social space and as components of the social and settlement structure of the society are explained. The social-legal and regulatory foundations of the creation of united territorial communities are analyzed. The social risks of decentralization have been characterized. Socio-cultural factors of decentralization in rural communities have been identified and characterized, such as leadership in the community, identification with the united community, and the impact of the mentality of the rural population on decentralization reform. The structure of social organization of the united territorial communities and the peculiarities of social management in it are clarified. In particular, it is noted that a combination of formal administrative and community foundations is inherent in the social organization of the UTC. Subjective factors and gender specificities of decentralization in rural communities have been identified. In particular, empirical research has examined the peasants' attitudes toward community unification and decentralization. An empirical study has revealed the changes that are taking place in peasants' lives under the influence of decentralization and unification of rural communities (on the example of Zaporizhzhya region).