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The Weakness of Civil Society in Ukraine: A Mechanism-Based Explanation

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  • Ksenia Gatskova
  • Maxim Gatskov

Abstract

This study explores the determinants of the low level of civic engagement in Ukraine. Applying the methodological framework of analytical sociology we consider different social mechanisms that explain the weakness of Ukrainian civil society. First, we discuss how the political system and economic performance of the country shape beliefs, values and motives of people by creating the context for their actions. Second, we focus on different aspects of people’s experience during the Soviet times to rule out a number of hypotheses concerning unwillingness of citizens to join formal voluntary organizations. Using the results of the individual-level data analysis we show that the specific features of the Homo Sovieticus “socio-cultural type”, such as passivity towards management of the own life, absence of political identification, and reliance on informal networks affect negatively the propensity of people to be members of civic organizations. These effects are complemented by the negative impact of post-Soviet transformation disappointment and subjective perception of low social status. Based on the results of analyses we formulate suggestions oncerning possible ways to foster the civil society development in Ukraine.

Suggested Citation

  • Ksenia Gatskova & Maxim Gatskov, 2012. "The Weakness of Civil Society in Ukraine: A Mechanism-Based Explanation," Working Papers 323, Leibniz Institut für Ost- und Südosteuropaforschung (Institute for East and Southeast European Studies).
    • Handle: RePEc:ost:wpaper:323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Grillo & Miguel Teixeira & David Wilson, 2010. "Residential Satisfaction and Civic Engagement: Understanding the Causes of Community Participation," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 97(3), pages 451-466, July.
    2. Ralf Dahrendorf, 1996. "Economic Opportunity, Civil Society and Political Liberty," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 27(2), pages 229-249, April.
    3. Marc Morjé Howard & Leah Gilbert, 2008. "A Cross-National Comparison of the Internal Effects of Participation in Voluntary Organizations," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 56, pages 12-32, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rafał Olszowski & Marcin Chmielowski, 2020. "Collective Intelligence in Polish-Ukrainian Internet Projects. Debate Models and Research Methods," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-20, June.

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