The Power of Sociology in Wartime: Shaping Resilience and Knowledge in Ukraine

This presentation examines the challenges and resilience factors shaping Ukrainian sociology during the war and its role in producing knowledge, shaping discourse, and influencing practices in a time of national crisis. The Russian war against Ukraine has drastically reshaped the operational capacities of sociology across three critical domains: knowledge production, sociological discourse, and its practical utility. Yet, Ukrainian sociology has maintained its proactive role in supporting national resilience and addressing both immediate wartime challenges and post-war societal reconstruction.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine offers a unique case study for exploring sociology’s function in times of war. This paper analyzes how Ukrainian sociology has adapted to fulfill its scientific and civic duties amidst the war’s disruptions. Drawing on the experiences of Ukrainian sociologists, the discussion highlights how research activism, theoretical and methodological innovations, and engagement with civil society have emerged as essential responses to wartime conditions.

As a direct effect of the war, the role of Ukrainian sociology has evolved from serving as a catalyst for nation-building, democratization, and social justice to now bolstering national resilience and resistance against Russia's invasion and neo-imperial ambitions. This shift in focus is reflected in the practices of knowledge production, the framing of sociological discourse, and the collaborative efforts of the sociological community within Ukraine and internationally.

The multi-layered impact of Ukrainian sociology, both in fostering societal resilience under the extraordinary pressures of war and in informing post-war recovery, underscores the enduring power of sociology as both a science and a profession. This case demonstrates how sociology, when engaged with pressing social realities, can serve as a vital tool for navigating national crises and building pathways to recovery and renewal.