Institutionalization of Self-Preservation: Theoretical and Methodological Approach

Abstract

The relevance of the topic is due to the absence in economic studies of specific algorithms for activating self-preservation that determines the health of a country’s population, and therefore, its human capital. The author sees the solution to this problem in institutionalization of self-preservation. The paper presents a methodological approach to the formation of the institution of self-preservation, which includes a theoretical analysis of scientific approaches to studying health and self-preservation, practical analysis and diagnosis of self-preservation of the country’s population, substantiation of the need for mechanisms for institutionalizing self-preservation and their development. The methodology for institutionalizing self-preservation is based on an institutional approach and the theory of health risk factors. Self-preservation is described as an individual’s obligations to preserve his/her health, which are manifested in actions aimed at achieving socio-economic well-being, allowing a healthy lifestyle, ensuring ecological parameters of everyday life, characterizing his/her participation in medical events. The analysis of self-preservation in Ukraine from the standpoint of the theory of health risk factors shows that an institutional trap – the institution of health-damaging behavior was formed in the country. For its transformation, a mechanism for institutionalizing self-preservation is proposed. The mechanism consists of regulatory, organizational, economic and information tools that coordinate the interaction of economic entities in such a way as to neutralize the negative impact of health risk factors and enhance their positive impact, which contributes to increased personal responsibility for health.

Keywords

• self-preservation
• health
• institutional approach
• institute
• methodological approach