Conceptual Principles for Researching the Demographic Resilience of Ukrainian Society

Theoretical and practical aspects of demographic resilience have been studied by many scientists across different countries. However, for each country, these issues require tailored analysis and adaptation to specific conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the place of demographic resilience and its components, analyze them with adaptation to Ukraine’s particular conditions in order to form the key directions of achieving the resilience of Ukrainian society in the post-war period. The primary methods used in this research include abstract-logical, sociological, classification-analytical methods and synergistic approach. The novelty of the study lies in the development of conceptual foundations for analyzing the demographic resilience of Ukrainian society in the current context. The authors’ definition of demographic resilience is provided: it is explained as the ability to ensure the change of generations, maintain the desired demographic balance, maintain basic functions and social structures, minimizing the negative consequences of destructions and contributing to recovery. The following components of demographic resilience are proposed: reproductive resilience, resilience of age and sex population structure, family resilience, social or age group resilience, life preservation, resilience of the healthcare system, and migration resilience. The relationships between these components and economic and social resilience, education, and the realization of the “demographic dividend” are analyzed. Criteria for assessing the components of demographic resilience are proposed. Healthcare system resilience and health resilience are treated as distinct components of demographic resilience, yet they are closely interconnected. Both are integrated and influenced by various factors. The migration component is examined in the context of immigration, emigration, and the accommodation and adaptation of internally displaced persons. Demographic resilience in Ukraine has been influenced by both the COVID-19 pandemic and, more significantly, the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. Their effects cause the need for further quantitative assessment of the individual components of demographic resilience and the development of specific measures to strengthen it.