MENTALNOŚĆ UKRAIŃSKA A POLSKA: CECHY WSPÓLNE I RÓŻNIĄCE

Abstract

The study justifies the need for a mentality analysis. The main goal – to compare the features of the Ukrainian and Polish mentality as historically shaped value systems, patterns of perception, feeling, understanding and transforming the world. Based on the work of Polish scientists, the results of sociological research and on opinions of Poles published in the media, the common and various mentality characteristics of the Ukrainian and Polish people were analyzed, correlations between the indicated features and the current state of development of both countries were noticed. The reasons for Ukraine's lagging behind Poland in terms of development were analyzed.It was emphasized that Poland and Ukraine are heterogeneous countries in terms of economic and cultural development, and this difference is caused by the unique historical past (especially the experience of victories and defeats) and mentality traits. Determination was determined: mentality features, in turn, affect the further development of the future.The comparison of the main features of both nations has allowed to distinguish such common features as individualism, a sense of freedom and independence, courage, sentimentality and emotionality, maintaining close contact between family members, tolerance. The difference lies in the greater level of patriotism and a sense of honor, religiousness, conservative views and attachment to tradition, politeness in the mentality of Poles. However, for the mentality of Ukrainians there is a characteristic lower level of divisions and disputes, complaints, dissatisfaction with anything, although the economic standard of living of the vast majority of Ukrainian society is lower than in Polish. The features that require development and greater expression in Polish society: kindness towards yourself and others, friendly attitude, mutual trust, openness to the new, joy and satisfaction with what is are noticed.