PERCEPTUAL GEOGRAPHY AS A BRANCH OF SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY

Abstract

Relevance of the study is relevance is determined by ongoing transformations in the space of social geography in Ukraine, in particular the processes of administrative-territorial reorganization, which are accompanied by changes in population’s spatial identification and perception. Perceptual geography as a scientific field studies the public perception of geographical space, mental images of territories, and the “internal” boundaries existing in collective consciousness. Such research is especially important for polyethnic regions (such as Chernivtsi oblast), where cultural mosaicism requires a careful and scientifically grounded approach to spatial organization. Perceptual geography enables the identification of configurations of subjective spatial perception, which is directly relevant to regional policy, spatial planning, and the preservation of ethnocultural balance. Subject of the study is peculiarities of the formation and development of perceptual geography in Ukraine, as well as the public perception of administrative-territorial changes in polyethnic regions. Aim of the study. To analyze the theoretical and applied aspects of the development of perceptual geography in Ukraine and determine its role in studying spatial consciousness and mental zoning of polyethnic territories. Research methodology. The research applies a system-structural approach; methods of historical-geographical analysis, comparison and scientific generalization; analysis of literature in perceptual and cognitive geography (cognitive geography), as well as legal and regulatory documents. Particular attention is paid to the combination of qualitative methods (interpretation of mental maps, analysis of narratives) with geoinformation technologies. Research results. The significance of perceptual geography as an independent direction within the structure of social-geographical knowledge has been substantiated. The main stages of this direction’s development in Ukrainian geography and its connection with the foreign school of behavioral geography have been outlined. It is shown that the perception of territories by residents of polyethnic regions often does not coincide with official administrative divisions; thus, perceptual boundaries may conflict with politically defined borders.Examples are provided where consideration of perceptual representations helps to avoid spatial fragmentation and maintain social stability. Practical significance. The obtained results can be used in regional policy formation, development of interethnic dialogue, planning of territorial communities, and in the educational process in social geography. Perceptual maps and techniques for their creation are important tools for understanding local identity and spatial representations. Conclusions. Perceptual geography performs an important function of humanizing spatial analysis, combining geographic methods with the psychology of perception. Its role is particularly relevant in polyethnic regions, as it enables the identification and explanation of hidden cultural-spatial boundaries that influence the effectiveness of reforms, planning, and social integration. Perspective for further research. Further research will involve the application of mental mapping methods, in-depth interviews, and analysis of perceptual clusters within Chernivtsi oblast, as well as comparative studies with other border regions of Ukraine.