THEORETICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF THE CONCEPT OF «SOCIAL SECURITY» IN THE UKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC DISCOURSE

Abstract

The aim of the article is to study theoretical interpretations of the concept of «societal security» in Ukrainian scientific discourse, approaches to understanding its essence, analysis of the genesis of its formation, which will develop the conceptual and categorical apparatus of research, provide authorial justification of its essence, taking into account to develop the theoretical basis of the study of societal security and the definitions that define its essence. The study offers both a systematic review of the literature on societal security concepts and an empirical analysis. Empirical research data were analyzed using content analysis, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and so on. The combined conclusions of the literature review and empirical research have led to the substantiation of the concept of societal security, which indicates the multidimensional composition of concepts and the closely related nature of the conceptual and categorical apparatus of the societal security system.

The review of existing definitions of societal security and their application in scientific discourse is carried out, the basic structural elements of the societal security system are determined. The theoretical contribution of the article is its approach to the conceptualization and harmonization of the interconnected and multidimensional nature of societal security concepts for further development and expansion of conceptual approaches. It has been studied that the concept of societal security concerns issues such as identity, social cohesion, inclusion, exclusion and the security dilemma. There are two areas of research on the concept of «societal security»: the first studies the subjective construction and protection of identity, the second develops according to objectivist ontologies focused on imminent external threats and the importance of protecting social systems that support life. The methodological contribution is a clear and systematic design of qualitative research to promote transparency, structure and ideas for future research on security concepts. Although the conclusions of the article in some respects coincide with most of the existing sources, the article offers new ideas and dimensions for these concepts and further research. According to the results of the study of definitions, it can be argued that the concept of «societal ecurity» is complex, contains economic, political, social, humanitarian and value aspects, reflects all that affects life, including human habitat, quality of life, makes society is stable, capable of development. Based on the analysis of definitions proposed by leading scientists, the author's definition of the concept of the concept of «societal security» was improved, formed and provided, which, unlike existing ones, is considered as a holistic system of interconnected elements the impact of social risks and the reduction of hazards, as well as ensuring the absence of threats to the social security of man, state, society and the protection of their social interests, values and needs.