Associative field of the concept “power” in the social consciousness of young Ukrainians

Abstract

Introduction: the concept of “power” is a fundamental element of social consciousness, shaping the worldviews and actions of individuals and collectives. Understanding how this concept is constructed and perceived within a particular linguistic and cultural community offers insights into the nation’s historical development and future trajectories. Objective: to investigate the associative field of the concept "power" in the mentality of young Ukrainians aged 17-20, elucidating the conceptual features of this social phenomenon that have emerged in the linguistic thinking of the country’s new generation. Methods: the main method employed was a free associative experiment with 100 participants aged 17-20, complemented by content analysis of a corpus of Ukrainian journalistic texts. Mathematical calculations established quantitative ratios, while descriptive methods facilitated result presentation. Results: the fundamental associative reactions of the notion were identified through analysis as follows: democratic, governing, state, money, and Verkhovna Rada. The youth’s practical, pragmatic perspective of power is suggested by a higher proportion of conceptual and figurative linkages over evaluative ones. Concentration in an elected body, democratic underpinnings, administrative responsibilities, political party and oligarch influence, and corruption were among the key philosophical elements. Disparities from the public conversation surfaced, including attributions of impunity, conflict, slyness, and indifference. Conclusion: the research exposed young Ukrainians’ critical evaluations of authority, which acknowledged the necessity of social supervision but denounced the institution’s ties to political parties and corrupt tendencies. Extensive research on national mindset is essential to precisely predict state-building orientations and processes in an independent Ukraine