THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL CONSOLIDATION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE DISCOURSE

The article analyses the phenomenon of social consolidation as a complex process of unification and cohesion of society. The etymology of the concept of ‘consolidation’ is studied and various approaches to its definition in the social sciences and humanities are systematised. Related concepts in the political science discourse are distinguished. The structural levels and types of social consolidation are identified. The interrelation of social consolidation with other types of consolidation (political, democratic, national, ethnic) is investigated. The role of social consolidation in ensuring stable state development, formation of civil society and resolution of socio-political conflicts is outlined. The importance of human centredness as a key aspect of social consolidation is demonstrated. It is substantiated that a consolidated society is characterised by agreement on the basic ‘rules of the game’ and the goals of further development. The practical significance of introducing mechanisms of social consolidation in the context of global challenges and transformation processes taking place in democratic societies is emphasised.