Taxation and fiscal sociology: western financial opinion and lessons for Ukraine

Abstract

Introduction. In the process of fair interaction between authorities and taxpayers, a relationship of trust is created. This trust ensures support for government fiscal initiatives from the business sector. Conversely, if the relationship is not transparent and equitable, it can lead to a passive or even negative attitude towards taxes, thereby reducing the efficiency of the tax system. Problem Statement. There is a gap in Ukrainian fiscal theory, which is still underdeveloped in terms of fiscal sociology. Compared to Western countries, where fiscal sociology has already become an integral part of economic analysis, in Ukraine this issue has been studied only by a narrow circle of scholars. This limitation necessitates a deeper study and integration of sociological approaches into financial science, because without it, Ukrainian researchers and policy makers lose the opportunity to gain a more complete understanding of the interaction between economic and social processes. The purpose is to substantiate the directions of integration of fiscal sociology into Ukrainian financial theory and to develop recommendations for its inclusion into Ukrainian financial practice. Methods. The methods used are systematic, structural-functional, comparative analysis, analogy, grouping, description, comparison and generalization. Results. It is proved that by integrating fiscal sociology, Ukrainian fiscal theory can benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors influencing fiscal policy. Such integration could lead to more effective policy making and a deeper understanding of the economic challenges facing Ukraine. Conclusions. Ukrainian academics and policymakers should prioritize the interdisciplinary study of fiscal policy, taking into consideration the rich tradition of fiscal sociology in the West. Joint efforts should be made to develop tax policies that strengthen state legitimacy by addressing issues of fairness, transparency, and trust. Strategies for managing public debt and improving tax morale should be a central element of fiscal policy to ensure that Ukraine's financial system can withstand socioeconomic pressures and contribute to long-term stability and development.