Maintaining social contacts as a socio cultural manifestation of social inclusion of senior age group in Ukraine

• Main Author: T. V. Gryshyna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Publishing House "Grani" 2014-08-01
• Series: Granì
• Subjects: соціальне залучення; множинні прояви соціального залучення; соціальні контакти; старша вікова група
• Online Access: https://grani.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/646
• ISSN: 2077-1800; 2413-8738

The paper focuses on analyze of maintaining social contacts of senior age group. Social contacts maintaining is investigated in terms of social inclusion to the social mainstream. Current sociological science examines social inclusion as multidimensional process which possesses different manifestation – political, economic and sociocultural dimensions. Sociocultural manifestation consists of social participation and maintaining social contacts. Previous research experience demonstrates that social contacts are important source of moral and material supports. Permanent communication (as joining to the social networks) is able to protect from social exclusion. Results of complex sociological research are highlighted in the paper – combination of quantitative (analyze of European Social Survey data, the ESS, 2010/11) and qualitative (original study based on in-depth interview conducted in Kiev) approaches was applied. Empirical object of research is age group of persons 60 years and older. Both volume (the number of contacts) and quality (opportunities for financial assistance and moral support) of social contacts, which are maintained by senior age group, are considered during the study. The results demonstrated various social contacts of senior age group mostly provide the moral support. Yet they are very difficult converted to material resources in Ukraine.