STIGMATIZATION OF PARTICIPANTS OF THE SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE AS A SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PROBLEM

Abstract

Introduction. The article reveals the possibilities of applying the theory of stigmatization to the analysis of the process of resocialization of military personnel returning from the combat zone to civilian life. Participants in a special military operation in Ukraine face difficulties in interacting with the local community. The authors hypothesize that one of the reasons for these problems is social stereotypes constructed by society and individual opinion leaders. Materials and methods of research. Symbolic interactionism became the methodological basis for studying the relationships between participants in a special military operation who returned from the combat zone and the local society. The explanatory model of interaction processes is based on I. Hoffman's theory of stigmatization. The theoretical analysis is carried out using methods of text analysis, interpretation, generalization, and systematization. Main part. The article describes the main provisions of the theory of stigmatization by I. Goffman. The process of stigma formation is presented based on the concept of J. Phelan and B. Link. The analysis of the social consequences of stigmatization is carried out in accordance with the ideas of G. Becker. The position of the authors of the article is revealed through the description of possible stigmas that society attributes to participants in a special military operation. Assumptions are made about the causes of stigmatization. Social and personal consequences of «labeling» servicemen who have returned from the combat zone are predicted. Conclusions. The result of the article is a description of the main directions of the military personnel resocialization program. The recommendations developed by the authors are aimed at combating stereotypes and prejudices and harmonizing the relations of participants in a special military operation with society.