SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL SPACE OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF UZBEKISTAN: HISTORY AND APPROACHES TO RESEARCH

Аннотация

The article examines the formation and evolution of approaches to the study of the socio-ecological space of the urban environment, with an emphasis on the realities and urban processes taking place in Uzbekistan. The development of scientific thought is analyzed - from classical concepts of interaction between society and nature to modern studies highlighting the impact of urbanization on the environmental and social well-being of the population. Particular attention is paid to the Soviet legacy in urban development policy, as well as modern initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable and ecologically balanced urban environment in Uzbekistan. The challenges and prospects of eco-social transformation in the context of growing urbanization, climatechange and social demands ofthe populationare reflected. Keywords: socio-ecological space, urbanization in Uzbekistan, urban environment, environmental sociology, sustainableenvironment, environmental policy. Introduction. In the context of global changes associated with accelerated urbanization, populationgrowth and environmental challenges, theissueofcreating a balanced and sustainable urban environment is of particular importance. For Uzbekistan, which is in the phase of active infrastructural transformations, urban modernization and implementation of state programs to improve the quality of life, the topic of the socio-ecological space of the city goes beyond academicinterest and becomes an important part of thestatestrategy. Against the backdrop of climate change, reduction of green areas, deterioration of air quality and shortage of water resources, the integration of environmental principles into urban planning, development of urban infrastructure taking into account the interests of the population and the formation of an inclusive, safe and sustainable urban environment are becoming especially relevant. The features of urbanization in Uzbekistan - rapid growth of cities, displacement of rural population, unbalanced distribution of environmental load - require a comprehensive analysis of the urban environment from the point of view of both sociology and ecology.standpoint of environmental sociology and social ecology, identify current challenges andoffer guidelines for sustainableurban development. In addition, in Uzbekistan, socio-ecological issues acquire a cultural and historical dimension, since environmental sustainability is closely linked to the preservation of cultural heritage, traditional architecture, social ties and patterns of interaction in mahallas (neighborhood communities). All this necessitates rethinking the scientific discourse on the urban environment as aspace where nature, man, society and culture interact. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive analysis of the history and stages of studying the socio-ecological space of the urban environment in the global and post-Soviet scientific context, http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 645 Volume 15Issue 06, June 2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 as well as the adaptation of these theoretical approaches to the conditions of Uzbekistan. The author seeks to determine the features of the formation, functioning and transformation of the urban environment of the republic from the standpoint of environmental sociology and social ecology, identify current challenges and offer guidelines forsustainable urban development. Methods. The study of the socio-ecological space of the urban environment requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that combines the provisions of social ecology, urban studies, environmental sociology, philosophy of space and cultural anthropology. The development of this problematic in scientific knowledge occurred gradually - from generalized philosophical ideas about the relationship between nature and society to modern studies of urbanized territories as complex adaptive systems. To achieve the research goals, the following methods are used: The study of the socio-ecological space of the urban environment requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that combines the provisions of social ecology, urban studies, environmental sociology, philosophy of space and cultural anthropology. The development of this problematic in scientific knowledge occurred gradually - from generalized philosophical ideas about the relationship between nature and society to modern studies of urbanized territories as complex adaptive systems. To achieve the research goals, the following methodsare used: Comparative historical analysis — to identify the stages of development of socio-ecological thinkingand urban practices in Uzbekistan; Case study (case analysis) — to study specific cities (Tashkent, Samarkand, Nukus, Navoi) in terms ofenvironmental sustainability and social adaptability; Hermeneuticapproach — to interpret thesymbolic meanings ofthe urban environment in culture andtraditions; Cart