Analysis of the topics of dissertation research with the keyword "family": (a classification attempt)

This article was initiated by the processes of identifying Ukrainian science during the development of Ukraine's sovereignty. The article presents the results of the analysis and classification of dissertation topics related to the keyword "family", defended in Ukraine from 1991 to 2024. Two methods were chosen for the classification analysis: the first method (expert assessment) resulted in 14 categories, and the second method (neural network analysis) in 9 classification categories. Common to both methods was the identification of three thematic categories of scientific research: identity, family assistance, and medical aspects of working with families It has been established that the use of neural networks in the creation of classification systems can be effective provided that the evaluation criteria and subsequent expert evaluation are clearly defined. It is shown that the topics of defended dissertations are mainly represented in the categories of deficit with an emphasis on support and correction, and their hypotheses are mainly formulated in terms of impact. The research topics are mainly aimed at solving social problems, mostly in the area of secondary prevention, to a lesser extent – tertiary prevention and minimally – primary prevention. The topics related to development, rest and recreation, as well as issues of combining work, family functions and family leisure are underrepresented. Additionally, little attention was given to studying family functioning from the perspective of evolutionary development and dynamic aspects of systemic family changes. Prospects for further research include continuing the development of classification systems for studying the social institution of the family, as well as focusing on the evolution of the family in terms of its development, well-being, and sense of happiness.