Ukrainian Students as a Vulnerable Population Group in War Conditions

Abstract

The article highlights the results of a study of the features of social vulnerability of higher education students in wartime. Vulnerability is studied as a natural human tendency to instability and at the same time the ability to recover from difficult life circumstances; according to common features or the established identity of a person or group of people; understanding it as an integral part of the social situation and social position, in which a person is unable to overcome the situation on their own; certain stages of transition from one stage of life to another. We consider vulnerability in social work as the presence of risks of falling into difficult life circumstances due to the influence of adverse external and/or internal factors, in particular, such as war. The study analysed international reports, national and foreign scientific research in the field of social vulnerability, social work with vulnerable groups of the population; surveyed 646 higher education students of the University of Ukraine in different regions of Ukraine and abroad; identified the most vulnerable groups of students; identified the risks of students getting into SJS; characterized the needs for social and psychological assistance and support; established the connection between social living conditions and the need for psychological assistance and support.

The conducted study revealed the absence of students who would indicate that they or their families undergo social support in social service centres as individuals in difficult life circumstances. The majority of students demonstrate independence and autonomy in solving the problems they face, relying on the resources of the family and their immediate social environment. This group of education seekers needs social inclusion and integration into the educational space, the creation of a safe educational environment, the formation of social capital, a network of social ties and contacts that are based on the values ​​of empathy, tolerance, mutual assistance, respect, and goodwill, and ensure the reduction of social vulnerability and the preservation of social and psychological health among higher education seekers.

Conclusions were drawn about the need to support education seekers, create a safe educational environment, form a network of social ties and contacts that are based on the values ​​of empathy, mutual assistance, and respect, ensure the reduction of social vulnerability and the preservation of social and psychological health.