In September-October 2024, a large-scale sociological survey was conducted in Odesa as part of the "Communities in Action: Everyone's Voice Matters" project, implemented by the "Culture of Democracy" public organization with the support of the "Renaissance" International Fund.
The survey covered 1004 respondents and reflected the current mood of Odessa residents, their public activity and the main problems that concern the city's residents.
The emotional state of Odessa residents: growing anxiety and indignation
Compared to 2023, the share of people experiencing negative emotions in Odesa has increased significantly. The most common feeling is "anxiety and worry", which covered 47% respondents (against 38% in 2023). This is especially felt by women (55%) and people aged 30-39 (55%). The share of those who feel has also increased "anger and indignation" – s 11% to 24%, "depression" increased to 18% (10% in 2023).
Despite this, "hope" remains an important feeling for 43% of respondents, which indicates the desire of Odessans for positive changes.
Public activity: volunteering and charity
The study showed that Odessans are most involved in informal practices of public participation. Thus, half of the respondents (51%) donated money for support in the last year The Armed Forces. The most active in this were young people aged 18-29 years and the group of 30-39 years - according to 63%.
Other forms of activity:
• 23% donated money to public or charitable organizations.
• 18% worked as volunteers, especially young people (25%).
• 21% signed petitions or open letters.
• 16% refused to buy goods as a sign of protest.
However, 34% interviewees admitted that they did not participate in any public events. People over 60 years old (58%) were the most passive.
Problems that concern the people of Odessa
Among the main problems that hinder the life of Odesa residents:
1. Corruption among officials - 60%.
2. Low salaries and pensions - 54%.
3. High prices - 44%.
4. The question of the quality of communal services - 39%.
5. Renaming streets and demolishing monuments - 37%.
Respondents also noted financial difficulties. More than half of residents (57%) are forced to save on food, medical services and necessary goods.
Influence and trust in the authorities
Almost half of respondents (48%) do not believe in their ability to influence the situation in the city, especially older people (67%). Simultaneously 43% respondents believe that "ordinary people" can still change life in Odessa for the better.
According to Odessa residents, the greatest influence on the situation in the city is exerted by:
• Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov - 49%.
• Military and TCC - 30,5%.
• Deputies of the city council - 29%.
Social cohesion and information priorities
Although in general Odessa residents note disunity in the country (43%), in their environment the majority of residents (57%) see cohesion. Young people especially positively evaluate social connections in their environment.
As for information sources, the main channel for receiving news has become Telegram - 68% respondents, especially among young people (92%). Traditional media such as newspapers and TV channels are losing their audience amid the rise in popularity of TikTok and social media.
These data provide a detailed picture of the attitudes and activism of Odesa residents in 2024, highlighting both the challenges and the potential for public participation and social change in the city.
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