THE ORIGIN OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND INCLUSION IN UKRAINE IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES (8th -13th centuries)

Abstract. The paper considers the origin and development of mental outlook and traditions of social care in East Slavic tribal unities which transformed and evolved in the epoch of Kyiv State in the 9 th cent. During the period of establishment of a centralized state and the introduction of Christianity as the official religion, the chaotic and situational charity measures transformed into those systemic and consequent while authorities became aware and motivated to support their subjects. The study of social problems of the Rus-Ukraine times constitutes a significant factor in the history of the Ukrainian state and culture whereas our ancestors' experience and their devotion to charity may serve as an example for contemporary Ukrainians. Introduction. This is possible only when humanistic values are followed. Present-day Ukrainian social realia and processes of integration into the European community require providing social well-being, especially for those who need it more than others, like disabled children. Purpose. The purpose of the research is to demonstrate how the authorities in Kyiv state handled the problems of social care. The information is taken from such historic sources as manuscripts and collections of laws and acts which makes the study relevant and valid. The objective is to get rid of Soviet and Moscow myths about overall negative attitude, total neglect and bullying of invalids and the poor in the East Slavic society what in fact took place only in half-wild Finno-Ugric tribes, ancestors of contemporary Russians who were subdued by the Slavs. The paper aims to use documents and the research of the teachers and psychologists of the 20th -21st cent. in order to make an objective understanding of the situation with inclusion during the Middle Ages on the territory of present-day Ukraine. Methods. The inventory of relevant general scientific and specific methods was applied to complete the proclaimed purpose and objectives. Under the overall perspective of the dialectal approach, the historical- interpretative method served as the tool of the research. Structural and systemic approaches towards data analysis provided unbiased treatment of documented facts and their adequate incorporation into the text of the paper. Results. The paper presents a survey of the published studies undertaken by famous teachers, and psychologists of various scholarly trends and directions which investigated the problems of the origin of social institutions within the Slavs. The scholarly analysis of the theoretical sources resulted in their updated social interpretation. It also shows the stable mental connection between contemporary Ukrainians with their ancestors whereas the best traits characteristic of our nation have been preserved for centuries. Originality. The paper serves as the first attempt to make a deep insight and form a systematic description of attitudes towards the lowest strata of society, disabled people and generally people with special needs on the level of law and state authorities in ancient Ukraine. Conclusion. The research proves that the Slavs in their state structures during the early Middle Ages showed great care for those who needed special attitudes and societal status. The procedures of social inclusion and care were going hand in hand with the development of state institutions and the strengthening of the authority power. The theoretical background and empirical data make it possible to conclude that the Slavic people were not inclined to practise bullying towards those who needed care and support.