Shalom H. Schwartz, a renowned social psychologist, developed a theory that identifies universal values recognized across different cultures and societies. His work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the basic human values that motivate individuals' behaviors and attitudes. This article delves into Schwartz's theory, detailing each of the universal values and exploring their significance and interrelationships.
Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values emerged from extensive research aimed at identifying core values that are universally held, regardless of cultural or societal differences. The theory posits that while the expression of these values may vary across cultures, the underlying motivations are consistent. Schwartz's work is instrumental in the fields of psychology, sociology, and anthropology, offering insights into how values influence human behavior on both individual and collective levels.
To develop his theory, Schwartz conducted cross-cultural studies involving participants from diverse backgrounds. He utilized questionnaires, such as the Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) and the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ), to assess the importance individuals place on different values. The data collected enabled Schwartz to identify patterns and commonalities, leading to the formulation of ten basic values that are universally recognized.
Schwartz's ten universal values are organized based on the motivations they represent. Each value reflects a specific goal that individuals strive to achieve, influencing their decisions and actions.
Self-Direction
Definition: Independent thought and action; choosing, creating, exploring.
Significance: Self-direction emphasizes autonomy and freedom, encouraging individuals to be creative and independent. It reflects the desire to think and act without undue external influence, fostering personal growth and innovation.
Stimulation
Definition: Excitement, novelty, and challenge in life.
Significance: This value highlights the pursuit of a stimulating and varied life. Individuals motivated by stimulation seek new experiences and challenges that provide excitement and prevent boredom.
Hedonism
Definition: Pleasure and sensuous gratification for oneself.
Significance: Hedonism focuses on the enjoyment of life's pleasures. It drives individuals to seek activities and experiences that bring immediate satisfaction and joy.
Achievement
Definition: Personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards.
Significance: Achievement reflects the desire for success and recognition. It motivates individuals to excel and perform well in activities deemed valuable by society.
Power
Definition: Social status and prestige; control or dominance over people and resources.
Significance: Power relates to the attainment of social status and the ability to influence others. It involves the pursuit of authority, wealth, and control over resources.
Security
Definition: Safety, harmony, and stability of society, relationships, and self.
Significance: Security values emphasize the importance of a stable and secure environment. Individuals prioritize safety and the well-being of themselves and those around them.
Conformity
Definition: Restraint of actions, inclinations, and impulses likely to upset or harm others and violate social expectations or norms.
Significance: Conformity involves adhering to social norms and expectations. It promotes harmony and cooperation by encouraging individuals to suppress behaviors that might disrupt social order.
Tradition
Definition: Respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas that one's culture or religion provides.
Significance: Tradition values the preservation of cultural or religious customs. It fosters a sense of identity and continuity by upholding practices passed down through generations.
Benevolence
Definition: Preserving and enhancing the welfare of those with whom one is in frequent personal contact (the 'in-group').
Significance: Benevolence drives individuals to be caring and helpful toward close others. It emphasizes loyalty, responsibility, and the well-being of family, friends, and community.
Universalism
Definition: Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and nature.
Significance: Universalism extends concern beyond immediate relations to all of humanity and the environment. It promotes social justice, equality, and environmental protection.
Schwartz's ten universal values are organized based on the motivations they represent. Each value reflects a specific goal that individuals strive to achieve, influencing their decisions and actions.
Schwartz's values are organized in a circular model illustrating their dynamic relationships. Adjacent values in the circle share compatible motivations, while opposing values may conflict.
Openness to Change vs. Conservation: Values like self-direction and stimulation (openness to change) contrast with security, conformity, and tradition (conservation). Individuals balancing these values may experience tension between embracing new experiences and maintaining stability.
Self-Enhancement vs. Self-Transcendence: Achievement and power (self-enhancement) oppose universalism and benevolence (self-transcendence). This reflects the conflict between pursuing personal success and prioritizing the welfare of others.