The Rating analytical group explores the changes in society caused by the war. About the economic situation, the labor market, adaptation to the military situation and plans for after the war
The war in Ukraine affected all spheres: from economic to personal ones. The Rating sociological group conducts comprehensive surveys, the purpose of which is to determine how the war has changed Ukrainians' lives. We offer you to find out how the war affected the labour market, the economic situation, patriotism, self-identification and plans of Ukrainians for the post-war period in percentage terms.
Half of Ukrainians lost their jobs among those who had them before the war, namely 53%. Only 22% continued to perform their work duties as usual, another 21% of citizens switched to a remote or partial work format.
Only 2% of Ukrainians managed to find a new workplace. This indicates a high level of socio-psychological problems among the population because work is not only a means of earning money but an important part of a normal lifestyle, communication with other people. Having a job reduces anxiety, and increases confidence and self-esteem. Therefore, a significant segment of the population now does not have a basic basis for establishing a habitual life.
The highest unemployment rate is observed among residents of the east of Ukraine – 74%. These are mainly young people under 35 – 60% and displaced persons – 66%.
Only 18% of citizens managed to keep their economic situation unchanged after the outbreak of a full-scale war. A significant deterioration is noted by 52% of respondents, and another 28% claim that they rather felt a deterioration.
40% of respondents have enough financial savings to cover expenses for just a month. Therefore, the resumption of work is one of the priorities of today for many Ukrainians.
Almost 47% of Ukrainians managed to maintain an active life position, 18% cannot clearly define their condition, and a third have taken a passive position, claiming that they are not solving anything in their lives yet. As for the age cross-section, the most representatives with an active lifestyle among young people under 35 years of age – 53% and among middle-aged Ukrainians - 50%.
An active life position, that is, the feeling that a person is able to solve important issues in his life by himself, provides people with self-confidence, reduces anxiety and opens up wider opportunities for rapid adaptation.
It is important that among those who adhere to an active lifestyle, people who work fully (60%), as well as partially or remotely (66%) are predominant. This group of the population also experiences less despair, apathy and pessimism, but is more susceptible to aggression – it is precisely this group that provides a proactive position.
In general, young people adapt to new conditions better and faster, while older people find themselves in a maladapted and unprotected position.
There is a significant increase in patriotic feelings and pride for Ukraine among Ukrainians. Back in August 2021, 34% of respondents felt proud of their state, and in April 2022, 80% of Ukrainians noted this feeling in themselves. The emotion of pride of one's country dominates among all respondents, regardless of region or age. At the same time, 16% of respondents are afraid of Ukraine, and these are mainly residents of the East. Joy is experienced by 20% of respondents, among them mainly residents of the center.
During the analyzed period, the number of respondents identifying themselves as citizens of Ukraine also increased: from 75% in August to 98% in April. At the same time, 57% of Ukrainians consider themselves Europeans, as opposed to 27% recorded earlier. The number of respondents who consider themselves a "Soviet person" decreased from 21% to 7%. The most elderly people resort to the pro-Soviet identity.
Today, 38% of Ukrainians want to master a new profession after the war. Another 49% are thinking about getting additional education or specialized knowledge. 21% of citizens plan to change jobs after the end of the war, and another 27% dream of starting their own business.
However, the plans of displaced persons differ from those who managed to stay at home. Citizens who were forced to leave their homes after the war are much more eager to master a new profession – 51% against 35% among those who stayed at home. This also applies to those who want to get additional education – 61% vs. 47%, and also to open their own business – 40% vs. 23%.
From this it can be concluded that the forced relocation formed a much stronger desire among citizens for further changes and development after the war. Without a doubt, such mobility at first causes destructive changes, but over time, at the level of future plans and actual behavior, such people take a proactive and constructive position, looking for new opportunities and ways of development.
