PUBLIC TRANSFORMATIONS AND UKRAINIANS’ IDENTITY THROUGH SOCIAL IDENTIFICATION THEORY

Abstract

The self-categorization phenomenon is considered as foundation for social identity formation. When surviving in social shocks, there happens a ‘rapid categorization’ which is actually a process of correlating oneself with the group that undergoes changes. This process has no long reflexions but it is emotionally coloured. The article presents theoretical approaches having significant explanatory potential for changes in Ukrainian society, particularly those caused by the hybrid war. The statement of de la Sablonnière S. has been analysed in this study. Given this statement, social change can serve as a driving force for social identity change. Social change is characterized through the impact on identity change (stability situation, inertia situation, incremental social change, and dramatic social change). It should be noted that change in social identity caused by a certain event is determined by how the group shows its reaction to it. At the same time, various groups’ representatives may show different reactions towards one and the same event. The reaction of a group to any event is linked to its values and is constantly changing. This is actually the idea of the procedural social identity theory, which appeals to value aspects of social identity. Value aspects may concern both the support to social stability and the willingness to implement changes. The contradiction between 'stability and change' has been interpreted within the concept of social identity mobilization. The article offers an assumption that through self-categorization a person refers itself to a certain social group, shapes his or her values and attitude in accordance with a meaningful membership and is ready to act with a target to realize his or her identity. It has been suggested considering identity not as a set of fixed cognitive and emotional attitudes only, but also as a basis to form up the image of the future that in due course, spurs to specific actions to get it realized. Social identity is the main driver to push changes in society, the group identities that lead to social change may arise both spontaneously and deliberately constructed by the stakeholders. This idea has been justified in the article.