Petrukhin S. The conceptualization of a society and the Ukrainian state formation in the works by Mykyta Shapoval: a historical and sociological approach.

The dissertation focuses on the sociological views of Mykyta Shapoval regarding the formation of Ukrainian statehood in the early 20th century and their relevance to modern sociology. The study reconstructs Shapoval’s concept of society and statehood and examines its connection to the Constitution of Ukraine. Key Findings: 1. Sociological Concept of Society and Statehood: Shapoval interpreted society as a social phenomenon comprising “complete” (economically, politically, and culturally independent) and “incomplete” societies. For Ukrainian statehood, he emphasized national unity, the development of an elite, fostering national culture, and building a rule-of-law state. The main reason for the “incompleteness” of Ukrainian society in the early 20th century was its low level of organization, lack of solidarity, absence of an independent technical apparatus, and minimal integration into key social processes. 2. Research Methodology: Shapoval employed both quantitative (statistics, surveys) and qualitative (biographical method, life histories) approaches to study the social structure of Ukrainian society. His methodology was based on social acts as the fundamental units of society. 3. National Ideas: Key concepts include sovereignty, independence, separation of powers, and labor democracy. Shapoval stressed the importance of fighting for statehood, cultural development, creating a strong army, and building an industrial base. 4. Contribution to Modern Sociology and State-Building: Shapoval’s sociological ideas have been incorporated into contemporary legislative acts, including the Constitution of Ukraine. His approach contributes to the development of Ukrainian sociology and understanding state-building processes in the context of modern war.