FAQs

The heat map scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates that an indicator is not observed at all while 10 indicates that the indicator is observed strongly and prevalently. The scores are measured with multiple questionnaire items, robustly designed in line with global best practices and then calibrated to the eastern Ukraine context.

The majority of the indicators are the same for 2017 and 2018, and they can be compared to detect trends and developments. However, following the 2018 consultations with stakeholders and revisions of the 2017 results, some indicators have been added, others removed, and some modified to better reflect the reality on the ground. The indicators that are not directly comparable over time are highlighted with an asterisk (*) in the indicator drop-down menu on the website.

Outcomes are desired end results for achieving social cohesion. There are four outcomes in the USE 2018 wave: readiness for dialogue, tolerant and active citizenship, mitigating violent tendencies, and mitigating negative migration trends. Each of these outcomes are made up by a number of indicators/questionnaire items.

USE is based on participatory research principles that emphasize inclusive stakeholder consultations in the design and data interpretation phases. While there is a SCORE repository of global indicators, each context requires extensive consultations with local, regional and national stakeholders during the design process. These consultations result in a conceptual model that maps out salient issues and hypotheses. The conceptual model is then translated into indicators, which are then validated with evidence and various statistical analysis tools to understand the relationships between them (e.g., path analysis).

Combining the USE heat maps with the demographic breakdowns and the path analysis provides a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different aspects of social cohesion in different locations and within different groups. This provides an evidence-based starting point for designing social cohesion interventions in eastern Ukraine.

The heat map scores range from 0 to 10 and are based on the findings from the general population survey, the school survey and the expert scoring interviews. Each score is measured with multiple questionnaire or interview guide items, robustly designed in line with global best practices and then calibrated to the eastern Ukraine context, which are then worked together to form a scale from 0 to 10.

UN Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index for Eastern Ukraine (USE) builds on the SCORE methodology, which draws from multidisciplinary research and literature, and encompasses over 70 indicators. Many of the USE indicators have been used in other SCORE contexts in other counties. However, indicators are always calibrated to the specifics of each country or region. While it is possible to make comparisons between countries and regions for some indicators, such as those related to psychosocial functioning, others (such as economic and inter-group relation indicators) are highly customized and contextual. Ultimately, the concept of social cohesion is specifically calibrated for the east of Ukraine. The ultimate aim of USE is not to compare scores for social cohesion in eastern Ukraine to scores for social cohesion in other countries, but to understand local and regional social, political and economic issues and dynamics in order to contribute to evidence-based policy making.

Outcomes are desired end results. There are four USE outcomes for the general population component: social connectedness and belonging, tolerant and socially responsible citizenship, adaptive psychosocial functioning, and mitigating negative population trends. The outcomes for the school survey component are: non-violent active civic participation, mitigating negative population trends, reducing internalizing and externalizing problems, and preventing bullying and victimization. Each outcome is measured by several indicators, for example the outcome social connectedness and belonging is measured by the indicators neighborhood support, social exclusion and openness towards various groups in society.

UN Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index for Eastern Ukraine is based on participatory research principles that emphasize inclusive stakeholder consultations in the design and data interpretation phases. While there is a SCORE repository of global indicators, each context requires extensive consultations with local, regional and national stakeholders during the design process. These consultations result in a conceptual model that maps out salient issues and hypotheses. The conceptual model is then translated into indicators, which are then validated with evidence and various statistical analysis tools to understand the relationships between them (e.g., path analysis).

The fieldwork for the 2018 USE wave will start in second quarter of 2018. While the methodology and overall structure and content of the questionnaires and discussion guides will remain the same in order for the results to be comparable over time, some of the indicators will be revised based on the 2017 analysis and feedback from regional and national stakeholders. In other words, while the first USE wave provides a comprehensive snapshot and strong benchmark of societal ecology in east of Ukraine, the second wave will allow for a further unpacking of its dynamics.

Combining the USE heat maps with the demographics break-downs and the path analysis provides a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different aspects of social cohesion in different locations and within different groups. This provides an evidence-based starting point for designing a response to build stronger communities, institutions and solidarity in the five eastern oblasts.