Traditional public communities in Ukraine (lecture)

Abstract

In press

Background. The study of Ukrainian communities in the 15^th–18^th centuries is relevant for understanding the mechanisms of social self-organization and the formation of Ukrainian identity.

Aim. To analyze the structure, role, and interrelationships of communities to determine their influence on social and cultural processes.

Materials and Methods. Historical-cultural, comparative-historical, and system-structural methods were applied in this study. This investigation was a part of individual research work of authors. The lecture is intended for students of medical faculties.

Research Ethics. The interpretation of historical and cultural phenomena is objective, free from bias engagement. The object of the study comprises historical communities that do not involve the participation of living people; thus, consent for participation is not required.

Results. It was established that the peasant community had performed such functions as collective land ownership, mutual assistance, social support, self-governance, and justice. Guild communities regulated crafts (quality, prices, training). The Cossack community was a unique military-political formation that defended Ukrainian lands, fought for freedom, and possessed developed organs of self-governance. Brotherhoods were the communities formed for defense of Orthodoxy under conditions of confessional pressure. They founded schools, printing houses and fought for the rights of Orthodox population. Youth communities were institutions for the socialization of unmarried youth, ensuring their integration into the rural community. They possessed a regulated structure and self-governance, which governed relationships and facilitated leisure organization. The collective mutual aid was an institution of collective assistance in Ukrainian community, possessing a re­gulated structure of invitation, and a farewell ritual.

Conclusions. The peasant community regulated the economic life of the village, the system of social protection, and self-governance. Guild communities ensured quality control, the protection of artisans' interests, and corporate solidarity. The Cossack community combined a professional military function with developed self-governance. Brotherhoods were established for the preservation of Orthodox identity and the development of Ukrainian culture and education; they were institutions of civil society and promoted national self-organization. Youth communities were a system of learning that regulated social interaction and maintained the stability of the village. The toloka was a mechanism of social integration, collectivism and responsibility.

Keywords: history of Ukrainian culture, peasant community, guild community, Cossack community, Brotherhood, youth community, toloka.