Daily Life of the Rural Population of Ukraine 1985–1991

Relevance. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the decolonization of the Ukrainian public space, and interest in the search for national identity, an analysis of the everyday life of the rural population of Ukraine in 1985–1991, where Soviet socio-cultural practices that carried ideological influences were deeply rooted, deserves attention. During the period of systemic reforms, known as «perestroika», communist ideology began to lose authority in key positions. In this context, the question of how Soviet policy affected the everyday practices of the rural population requires scientific discourse. An everyday cross-section will allow us to understand the effectiveness of the official ideology at the level of everyday experience. The study and popularization of this experience has not lost its relevance today. The research goal – to highlight the everyday life of the rural population of Ukraine in 1985–1991, to show the peculiarities of the development of the social sphere, the ideological and propaganda methods of encouraging peasants by the Soviet authorities. Methods. The scientific analysis is based on methods that avoid bias and one-sidedness, the research is based on the principles of historicism, scientificity, comprehensiveness, systematicity and objectivity. The logical-analytical method is used to highlight the problem. The research results. The period of «perestroika» is characterized by stagnant phenomena in the countryside, which resulted in a low social and household standard of living, problems with housing, gas supply, heating, medical and cultural services. Although certain steps were taken for social development, their pace lagged behind the demand and needs of society. The propaganda and ideological work of the party to improve the labor and social activity of Soviet people lost its relevance. The village needed a real reboot and renewal. Conclusions. The social sphere of the village during the «perestroika» period requires further research, which is valuable in overcoming the negative trends of the Soviet legacy in culture, education, and mentality towards the formation of the national identity of the younger generation.