Методологічні орієнтири аналізу соціальної нерівності

English

Methodological guidelines for the analysis of social inequality

Abstract. Introduction. The study establishes that social inequality is a multifaceted phenomenon, which is expressed in the uneven distribution of material, social, political and cultural resources among citizens. This problem is caused by both economic factors and the inability of legal institutions to adequately regulate social relations. Purpose. To investigate the format of social inequality as a multidimensional phenomenon, study the mechanisms of its legal regulation and develop scientifically based approaches to improving legal instruments for ensuring social equality in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The liberal-legal approach is based on the formal equality of all citizens before the law and the recognition of their natural rights, which must be guaranteed by the state. It considers social inequality as a consequence of individual differences in abilities and motivation, and the main task of the state is to create an effective regulatory framework to ensure equal opportunities and prevent discrimination. The socio-legal method emphasizes that formal equality does not ensure actual equality of opportunities due to socio-economic barriers. Therefore, legal regulation should include compensation mechanisms, such as social guarantees, quotas and state support for vulnerable groups, which contributes to the reduction of inequality. The structural-functional approach considers social inequality as a natural element of the social structure that supports social order and stability. From a legal point of view, this method explains inequality as a consequence of the differentiation of social roles and the consolidation of legal statuses in legislation and social norms. Results. The study revealed that social inequality is multidimensional and manifests itself both in the legal plane and in the socioeconomic aspect, which requires a comprehensive approach to its analysis. The constitutional and legal principles of ensuring social equality in Ukraine were analyzed and the level of implementation of international legal standards was assessed, which allowed us to identify the main problems of their implementation. The need for reforming national legislation taking into account European standards is substantiated, and a set of measures aimed at improving legal mechanisms for ensuring social equality and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups of the population is proposed. Discussion. Further research in the field of legal regulation of social inequality should be aimed at developing effective mechanisms for harmonizing national legislation with international legal standards and assessing the impact of new legislative initiatives on the state of social equality in Ukraine. It is promising to expand the methodological approach through the involvement of interdisciplinary analysis, which will allow combining legal, sociological and economic aspects of the study. Another important direction is the implementation of institutional reforms aimed at increasing the efficiency of law enforcement and strengthening the role of judicial control in the field of protecting social rights.

Keywords: social inequality; legal regulation; constitutional principles of equality; international legal standards; mechanisms for overcoming discrimination; implementation of legal norms