STANDARD OF LIVING OF THE RURAL POPULATION AS A FACTOR IN THE REPRODUCTION OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Abstract
Introduction. The reproduction of human capital in rural areas is closely related to the standard of living of the population, which determines the financial and social capabilities of households to invest in education, health, professional growth and participation in public life. In the conditions of modern Ukraine, rural areas are characterized by persistent disparities in income levels, accessibility of basic social services and quality of living environment compared to urban areas. Such imbalances form negative demographic and migration processes, in particular the outflow of youth and the working-age population, which significantly weakens the reproductive potential of the human capital of the village.
Methods. The article applies systemic and socio-economic approaches to studying the standard of living of the rural population as a factor in the reproduction of human capital. Methods of analysis and synthesis, scientific abstraction, comparative and structural analysis are used to assess the relationship between income, living conditions, accessibility of social services and reproductive processes of human potential. Statistical and logical-generalizing methods were applied to interpret socio-economic indicators and form well-founded conclusions.
Results. It is established that the standard of living of the rural population is a system-forming factor in the reproduction of human capital, which determines the demographic dynamics, labor potential and innovative capacity of rural areas. It is proven that persistent disparities between the standard of living of the rural and urban population form reproductive restrictions, increasing migration outflow, deterioration of the qualitative characteristics of human capital and reducing motivation to invest in their own development. It is substantiated that low incomes, unstable employment and limited access to educational and medical services hinder the transition from simple to expanded reproduction of human potential and deepen socio-economic imbalances in the development of rural areas. It is established that improving the standard of living of the rural population should be considered as a strategic priority of state and regional policy, integrated with programs for the development of human capital, social infrastructure and diversification of economic activity in the conditions of post-war recovery.
Discussion. Prospects for further research are to deepen the assessment of the impact of the standard of living of the rural population on the qualitative parameters of human capital reproduction, taking into account regional differences and demographic changes. It is advisable to expand scientific research in the direction of analyzing the effectiveness of state and local programs to increase income, employment and accessibility of social services in rural areas. Further research can be aimed at substantiating integrated and resilient models of increasing the standard of living of the rural population in the context of post-war reconstruction and European integration.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35774/ibo2025.03-04.112
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