PUBLIC SPACE AS A TOOL OF COMMUNITY COHESION

Abstract

The key task of state policy in the field of local self-government is the acceleration of processes for the voluntary consolidation of territorial communities without coercion. The creation of a sociocultural space to overcome some alienation among residents of different settlements and establish the foundations for their consolidation is one of the problematic issues faced by experts in the implementation of voluntary consolidation processes. An important instrument for addressing this issue is the creation of a common communication space for all residents of the territorial community, which will facilitate the implementation of a consolidating and unifying function. Specifically, public space can be owned by the community or freely accessible and adapted for use by residents. Each public space has its own spatial, historical, natural, and socio-economic characteristics. The study of social cohesion in territorial communities is particularly relevant in the current stage of scientifictheoretical research on local self-government and the formation of our state. This article is devoted to the peculiarities of creating and developing public space as a tool for cohesion in territorial communities. It is noted that public space is an integral part of the space of the territorial community, which is open and accessible to community residents. The key function of public space in the territorial community is identified as the formation, development, and utilization of the potential of social communication. The authors emphasize that in modern conditions, increasing social cohesion in territorial communities is one of the most important directions of activity for the Ukrainian government. The effective development of territorial communities requires active interaction and cooperation of all parties involved in social dialogue, primarily the active participation of the public in making important decisions, managing various aspects of community life and activities, and developing a development strategy. It is worth emphasizing that key characteristics of individuals with an active life position include civic activity, participation in decision-making, and responsibility for their appropriateness, as well as actions based on the principles of equality and justice.