“The released results of the sociological research carried out by Rating Group caused a lot of fierce disputes on social networks. However, the majority of users have focused on the presidential rankings, while I found the questions about the vital problems and expectations of Ukrainians more interesting,” Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Feldman notes. “Especially since the unusually big (for Ukrainian sociology) sampling of 30,000 respondents makes it possible to analyze data based on different regions. According to the results of the poll, everyone is able to compile a ‘sociological profile’ of Kharkiv oblast, which describes the moods in our region and its specific character in comparison with the other regions. I would like to present several details of this profile below.
Let me start from some unpleasant figures as I see it.
First, the answers to the question “How according to your opinion the life of your family in our country will change in 5 years?” Exactly in Kharkiv oblast less people in comparison with the other regions chose the variants “will improve significantly” or “will become much better.” The total of only 13% of respondents gave these answers, while the average index for Ukraine is 24%. Some ill-wishers could blame Kharkiv residents for insufficient patriotism and weak faith in Ukraine again, however, I think that these figures are consequent after the trials experienced by our region.
Exactly Kharkiv oblast accepted the majority of IDPs escaping the war. Exactly our industry was affected the most when the old markets appeared under a ban, while the new ones were not developed yet. And the logical conclusion follows that Kharkiv oblast deserves special attention and support from the authorities, and these scanty 13% of optimism in respect of the prospects are a signal for the authorities.
Second, the answers to the question “What current problems are the most important personally for you?” showed that the social and economic problems are more urgent for Kharkiv oblast than for Ukraine as a whole. The matter is in the low level of salaries and pensions, inflation, increase in public utilities prices (58-62% of respondents chose these variants, while none of the other variants got more than 20% of answers).
And this is also consequent: paradoxically, Kharkiv oblast is among top five regions based on the gross regional product, however, the average wages is the region are lower than the average wages in Ukraine. The second paradox is that Kharkiv oblast provides 40% of gas extracted in Ukraine, however, the gas prices for the local population are among the highest ones in Ukraine. People feel injustice and social vulnerability, that is why that choice of vital problems was predictable. While the basic needs are not satisfied, the society will never come to the realization of key meaning of the problems of higher level – individual freedom or human rights respect.
And third, only 2% of respondents in Kharkiv oblast called the political situation in the county “calm,” while 51% called it “tense” and 39% indicated that it is “dangerously explosive” (7% more could not answer). The society clearly has demand for those forces, which are able to guarantee a calm, stable and projected development. Unfortunately, this clear demand actually contrasts with the equally clear absence of the forces, which are not using the topic of split or the hate speech for their profit.
Nevertheless, I would like to end on a positive note. Answering the question “Choosing between Ukraine, Europe, the USA and Russia, where you wish your children to live in?” 50% of respondents, both across Ukraine and in Kharkiv oblast, chose Ukraine. Despite all difficulties and trials of the last four years, we have 50% of zealous patriots – those who connect not only own future, but also the future of their children with Ukraine. Is this number big or small? Everyone should choose own zone of informational comfort – either to surround him/herself with the total “betrayal” or with “victories.” Being an optimist, I see a “half-full glass” in this 50%, and we should not lose heart!
