THE SYSTEM OF VALUES AND PERCEPTION OF TIME IN THE TRANSITIONAL SOCIETY: SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The empirical study of the time and values system perception in different social ethnic and age groups offers the possibility to understand the potential subjectivity of groups in transitional society. The goal of the research was the study of time perception, values system in different age and ethnic groups in the transitional society. The methodological basis of our research is the systemic approach and social constructivism. Social groups were studied – age groups (adolescents, youngers, adults); ethnic groups (Gagauz people, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Russians). In order to carry out the empirical research, standardized methods and semi-structured interview were applied: “The Scale of Time Attitudes” Nutten J.; semi-structured interview on time perception; the method elaborated by E. B. Fantalova. It was revealed that the groups of Russians, Bulgarians are characterized by a positive perception of present time, but the Gagauz people and Ukrainians perceived less positive the present time. Time perspective of these groups is short – from one year to five years – that can be an evidence of difficulties met by these groups in today transitional reality of the country. There were determined groups of youngers on time perception from optimistic to social-anxious (the given type, potential for migration). The study of values system of adolescent respondents from rural areas (most have parents working abroad) showed the importance of such values as health, happy family life and at the same time, the complexity of their basic needs’ satisfaction.