Transformation of Ukrainian Youth Values in Times of Crisis

Abstract

The value system of a certain society is characterized by stability, transmitted from generation to generation and determines the direction of the socio-economic, political development of the country. In a fragile, non-linear and incomprehensible globalized world, a shift in society’s values can be triggered by global upheavals that threaten the survival of humans as a biological species. In the 21st century, society feels the danger of war, the threat of the spread of dangerous viruses, and the digitalization of all human life. The purpose of the conducted research is to identify the main values of Ukrainian youth and their transformation in the conditions of economic crises and war danger. Sociological research was conducted to verify hypotheses as to accelerating the transformation of Ukrainian youth values. The first wave of research on the value orientations of Kharkiv student youth was conducted in March 2014, similar research was conducted during November 2020 – January 2021, as well as in April-May 2022. The results showed that absolute and family values traditionally have a high level of priority for Ukrainian youth, regardless of living conditions and external factors. However, changes have taken place within value groups. With the aggravation of the military danger, the values of freedom, honesty, and preservation of life came to the fore. During the military threat, the importance of the group of civic and national values increased significantly. Among the national ones, the greatest growth was gained by the state independence of Ukraine, patriotism, readiness to defend the Motherland, love for the native culture, language, and traditions. Digital values have shown sufficient stability of results compared to pre-war times. Digital government services and digital technologies to improve energy efficiency have grown. The results of the study can be useful for building visions and strategies for the development of higher education institutions, modern youth regional policy.