Transformation processes in the social sphere under martial law: challenges and opportunities

• Iryna Verkhovod Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Ukraine. Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, Ukraine. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9176-2574
• Oleksii Sysoiev Doctor of social sciences in the discipline of economics and finance. The Mazovian University in Płock, Poland. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5899-0244
• Oksana Marukhlenko Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, Ukraine. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8050-6615
• Yaroslav Haleta Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State University, Ukraine. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0484-529X
• Nataliia Polishchuk Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Ukraine. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3677-1248

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15092411

Keywords: social sphere, challenges, opportunities for recovery, martial law, vulnerable groups

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the transformational changes in the social sphere of Ukraine and to identify current challenges and opportunities for the development of the social sphere. The approximate number of refugees from Ukraine registered in Europe and Asia as of March 12, 1023, by country of destination is given. It is established that martial law slows down the economy, leading to an increase in unemployment and a decrease in living standards. The dynamics of GDP per capita for 2013-2022 and the dynamics of unemployment in Ukraine in 2019-2023 are analyzed. It is determined that the military events in Ukraine create a number of complex problems, ranging from traumatic impact on the population to significant challenges in the field of socio-economic recovery and humanitarian assistance. The author analyzes the damage to the social sphere as of January 1, 2023, and presents the regional structure of the affected social institutions. Attention is focused on the significant increase in social security costs. Despite the difficulties of martial law in Ukraine, the main opportunities for the development of the social sphere include the restoration of infrastructure, reform of the educational system, development of medical rehabilitation and psychological support. Ukraine can become a center for psychological services and humanitarian support, as well as develop social services for vulnerable groups. The involvement of citizens and volunteers will contribute to the stable development of the social sphere in the context of post-war recovery.

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