A Classification of Regions of Ukraine by the Level of Formation of Social Tensions

A classification of regions of Ukraine by the level of formation of social tensions together with determination of preventive measures aimed at preventing the creation of crisis situations are carried out. It is proved that the socio-economic situation typical for Ukraine has deteriorated significantly. This is evidenced by the decline of a large number of international indicators that characterize the stability of the country’s development. The suggested in the article methodological approach to the classification of regions by the level of formation of social tensions includes two main stages: substantiation of the system of socio-economic indicators that characterize the level of social tension; selection and substantiation of models of classification of regions. The carried out analysis of the values of socio-economic indicators of each cluster allowed to allocate the following classes of regions by the level of formation of social tension: 1st class – increased level of formation of social tensions; 2nd class – low level of formation of social tensions; 3rd class – high level of formation of social tensions. Of particular importance for the research is the 3rd class, i.e., the class with a high level of formation of social tensions, which leads to a crisis. The regions of this class should have serious government support in the social sphere. The results of the research showed that the number of regions classified with high level of social tensions is constantly growing and, unfortunately, the number of regions where the social sphere is more developed is decreasing. It should be noted that this situation is extremely dangerous, because it can lead not only to social, but also economic and political crises. The carried out analysis of the status of region of each of the received classes provides the possibility to prevent aggravation of crises in the social sphere and determine the list of preventive measures that can lead to a decrease in losses both in terms of individual classes and in the State as a whole.