Schwartz, Shalom H. - An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values Flashcards
1
Q
Why have values been a central concept in social sciences?
A
Values help explain social and personal organization and change, as emphasized by early theorists like Durkheim and Weber, and are used to understand cultural and individual behavior.
2
Q
What challenges did the study of values face historically?
A
There was no consensus on a definition, structure, or reliable method to measure values, which limited research in this area.
3
Q
What advancements have revitalized the study of values in social sciences?
A
Theoretical and methodological work by Schwartz and others has clarified the understanding of basic values and their dynamic relations.
4
Q
What does the recent theory identify about values?
A
It defines ten motivationally distinct types of values and describes how some values conflict (e.g., benevolence vs. power) while others are compatible (e.g., conformity and security).
5
Q
Are the structure and importance of values universal?
A
The structure of values, showing patterns of conflict and congruence, is universal, but individuals and groups differ in the importance they place on each value.
6
Q
How are people generally able to assess whether someone’s behavior is socially acceptable?
A
People can usually assess if behavior aligns with societal norms learned during primary socialization, allowing them to distinguish between “good” and “bad” or “right” and “wrong.”
7
Q
What does the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values explain?
A
The Schwartz Theory describes the nature of values, including common features and distinguishable aspects, and identifies ten basic personal values.
8
Q
What is the structure of the ten basic personal values according to Schwartz?
A
The ten values are arranged in a circular structure, highlighting their compatibilities and conflicts.
9
Q
Are the ten basic values culturally specific or universal?
A
The ten basic values are considered culturally universal, meaning they are recognized across different societies, though their relative importance may vary.
10
Q
What are the six main features of values according to Schwartz’s value theory?
A
1) Values are beliefs linked to emotions,
2) They refer to desirable goals that motivate actions,
3) They transcend specific actions and situations,
4) They serve as standards or criteria,
5) Values are ordered by importance, and
6) They guide actions when relevant.
11
Q
What distinguishes one value from another in Schwartz’s Theory?
A
The type of goal or motivation each value expresses distinguishes them from one another.
12
Q
What is the defining goal of Self-Direction values?
A
The goal is independent thought and action, which includes creativity, freedom, and exploration.
13
Q
What is the goal of Stimulation values, and why are they important?
A
The goal is excitement, novelty, and challenge in life, deriving from the need for variety to maintain an optimal level of activation.
14
Q
What does Hedonism value emphasize?
A
Hedonism focuses on pleasure and sensuous gratification for oneself, related to satisfying organismic needs.
15
Q
What is the core motivation behind Achievement values?
A
Achievement values emphasize personal success through demonstrating competence and obtaining social approval.
16
Q
How do Power values differ from Achievement values?
A
Power values focus on social status, control, and dominance within a social system, while Achievement values emphasize active competence in specific interactions.
17
Q
What is the focus of Security values?
A
Security values emphasize safety, harmony, and stability in society, relationships, and for the self.
18
Q
What is the goal of Conformity values?
A
Conformity values involve restraining actions and impulses to adhere to social expectations and maintain smooth social interactions.
19
Q
How do Tradition and Conformity values differ?
A
Tradition values involve respect and commitment to cultural or religious customs, while Conformity focuses on self-restraint in interactions with close others.
20
Q
What is the motivation behind Benevolence values?
A
Benevolence values aim to preserve and enhance the welfare of those in close personal contact, emphasizing loyalty, honesty, and responsibility.
21
Q
How does Universalism differ from Benevolence?
A
Universalism focuses on understanding, tolerance, and protection for all people and nature, extending beyond the in-group to broader society and the environment.
22
Q
Why do actions in pursuit of one value often conflict with other values?
Give an example of value conflict according to the Schwartz Theory.
A
Because the consequences of pursuing one value can obstruct or contradict the goals of other values.
Pursuing achievement values (personal success) often conflicts with benevolence values (enhancing the welfare of others).
23
Q
What values are typically congruent and mutually reinforcing?
A
Achievement and power values, as both emphasize personal success and social dominance.
24
Q
How do stimulation values relate to tradition values?
A
Pursuing stimulation values (novelty and change) tends to conflict with tradition values (preserving customs).
25
What is the practical consequence of choosing an action that promotes one value?
It may contravene or violate a competing value, such as taking drugs for stimulation contradicting religious traditions.
26
How do social consequences manifest in value conflicts?
Others may impose social sanctions for perceived inconsistencies between one's actions and professed values.
27
How do people generally pursue competing values?
By engaging in different acts at different times and in various settings.
28
What does the circular structure of values illustrate?
The pattern of conflicts and congruities among values, showing how similar or antagonistic different values are.
29
Why are tradition and conformity located together in the value structure?
Because they share the motivational goal of submission to external expectations, though tradition values conflict more with opposing values.
30
What are the two bipolar dimensions in Schwartz's value structure?
Openness to change vs. conservation and self-enhancement vs. self-transcendence.
31
What values fall under 'openness to change'?
Self-direction and stimulation, which emphasize independence and readiness for change.
32
Which values emphasize conservation?
Security, conformity, and tradition, focusing on order, self-restriction, and preservation of the past.
33
What values are associated with self-enhancement?
Power and achievement, emphasizing personal success and dominance.
34
What does self-transcendence encompass?
Universalism and benevolence, focusing on concern for the welfare of others.
35
Which value shares elements of both openness to change and self-enhancement?
Hedonism, as it emphasizes both pleasure and arousal.
36
What does the motivational continuum imply about the division of values?
Dividing values into ten distinct types is practical but arbitrary; the motivations are interconnected along a continuum.
37
How does the circular arrangement affect understanding values' relations to variables?
It implies that values relate to behaviors, attitudes, or demographics in a holistic and integrated manner.
38
What is the Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) and what does it measure?
The Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) is a tool developed to measure individual values based on Schwartz’s theory. It includes 30 items describing desirable end-states and 26-27 items describing desirable ways of acting. Respondents rate the importance of each item as a guiding principle in their life, which is used to determine their value priorities.
39
How are respondents asked to rate the importance of values in the Schwartz Value Survey (SVS)?
Respondents rate the importance of each value on a 9-point scale, with values ranging from -1 (opposed to my values) to 7 (of supreme importance), allowing for a nuanced measurement of the relative importance of different values.
40
What is the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ), and how is it different from the SVS?
The PVQ is an alternative to the SVS designed for younger audiences (ages 11-14) and those not educated in Western schools. It uses short verbal portraits of people with different goals, allowing respondents to rate how similar they are to these individuals, inferring their values based on self-reported similarity.
41
What is the method of scoring in the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ)?
In the PVQ, respondents answer how much they identify with a person described in the portrait. The value of each item is calculated by averaging the ratings given to the portraits that correspond to that value.
42
How are value priorities generated in both the SVS and PVQ?
To measure value priorities, individual differences in response scale use are eliminated by subtracting a person’s mean response to all items from their rating of each item, converting responses into relative importance scores for each value.
43
What is the significance of the pan-cultural hierarchy of values?
The pan-cultural hierarchy reflects a universal order of value importance across cultures, with benevolence, universalism, and self-direction being the most valued, and power and stimulation being the least valued. This hierarchy supports the idea that values serve adaptive functions for group survival.
44
How do the Schwartz theory’s basic values relate to one another in a cultural context?
Values like power, achievement, hedonism, and stimulation focus on personal interests, while values like benevolence, universalism, tradition, and security primarily regulate social relationships. These relationships among values help explain their role in societal function and individual behavior.
45
How do values relate to attitudes, beliefs, traits, and norms?
Values serve as guiding principles that influence attitudes (evaluations), beliefs (ideas about truth), norms (behavioral expectations), and traits (consistent behavior patterns). For instance, if one values stimulation, they may have a positive attitude toward adventurous activities like bungee jumping.
46
What principle explains the structure of values across cultures?
The structure of values across cultures is organized by the congruence and conflict among values that are implicated in decisions. Values are also shaped by their function in promoting group cohesion, survival, and individual self-interest.
47
Why are values like benevolence and universalism highly ranked in the pan-cultural hierarchy?
Benevolence and universalism values are highly ranked because they promote cooperative and supportive social relations, which are essential for group functioning and survival. These values are internalized from early socialization and are critical for maintaining social harmony.
48
What are values in the context of personal and social change?
Values are deeply held beliefs or principles that guide behavior and decisions. They evolve both on a personal level (through life experiences, education, and reflection) and on a societal level (through collective shifts in norms and experiences).
49
What is the definition of self-direction?
Self-direction refers to independent thought and action, including choosing, creating, and exploring, often driven by the desire for control, mastery, autonomy, and independence.
50
What are the biological and interactional needs that contribute to self-direction?
Self-direction arises from biological needs for control and mastery, as well as interactional needs for autonomy and independence.
51
What are some characteristics of self-direction?
Self-direction involves creativity, freedom, choosing one’s own goals, curiosity, independence, self-respect, intelligence, and privacy.
52
How does self-direction relate to creativity and freedom?
Self-direction emphasizes the importance of thinking up new ideas, being creative, and doing things in an original way, allowing for freedom to explore and choose one’s path.
53
How does self-direction connect to decision-making and planning?
People who value self-direction believe it’s important to make their own decisions about what they do, enjoying the freedom to plan and choose their activities independently.
54
Why is curiosity important in self-direction?
Curiosity is a key aspect of self-direction, as it encourages individuals to be interested in various things and try to understand them, fostering continuous learning and exploration.
55
What role does independence play in self-direction?
Independence is central to self-direction, as individuals who value it prefer to rely on themselves and make choices based on their own judgment rather than external influences.
56
What is the defining goal of stimulation?
The defining goal of stimulation is excitement, novelty, and challenge in life, driven by the desire for variety and optimal activation.
57
What is the biological need that stimulation values derive from?
Stimulation values derive from the biological need for variety and excitement to maintain an optimal, positive level of activation (non-threatening).
58
How do stimulation values relate to self-direction values?
Stimulation values are related to self-direction values as both arise from the need for variety, challenge, and autonomy, contributing to personal growth and positive engagement.
59
What are some characteristics of stimulation?
Stimulation involves a desire for a varied life, an exciting life, and a willingness to take risks and seek new adventures.
60
Why is variety important in stimulation?
Variety is important in stimulation because individuals value doing many different things in life, constantly looking for new experiences to keep their life interesting.
61
How does stimulation relate to risk-taking and adventure?
People who value stimulation enjoy taking risks and seek out adventurous experiences, as they find excitement and challenge in these activities.
62
What role does surprise play in stimulation values?
Surprise plays an important role in stimulation, as individuals who value it believe that having an exciting life full of unexpected events is essential to personal fulfillment.
63
What is the defining goal of hedonism?
The defining goal of hedonism is pleasure or sensuous gratification for oneself.
64
What biological need do hedonism values derive from?
Hedonism values derive from the biological need for pleasure associated with satisfying one's needs.
65
How is hedonism related to the concept of pleasure?
Hedonism is closely tied to seeking pleasure, enjoying life, and being self-indulgent, prioritizing personal satisfaction and enjoyment.
66
How do people who value hedonism approach life’s pleasures?
People who value hedonism seek every opportunity to have fun and enjoy activities that provide pleasure, considering enjoyment a key aspect of life.
67
How important is self-indulgence to someone who values hedonism?
Self-indulgence is important to those who value hedonism; they enjoy spoiling themselves and prioritizing personal pleasure.
68
Why is enjoying life’s pleasures significant for individuals who value hedonism?
For individuals who value hedonism, enjoying life’s pleasures is essential because they believe having fun and enjoying a good time is very important.
69
What is the defining goal of achievement?
The defining goal of achievement is personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards.
70
What interactional need does achievement derive from?
Achievement derives from the need to obtain social approval.
71
What characteristics are emphasized by achievement values?
Achievement values emphasize being ambitious, successful, capable, and influential, with a focus on intelligence, self-respect, and social recognition.
72
How do people who value achievement want to be perceived?
People who value achievement want others to admire their abilities and recognize their competence.
73
How important is success to individuals who value achievement?
Success is very important to them; they want to impress others and demonstrate their capabilities.
74
What do individuals who value achievement strive for in life?
They strive to get ahead in life and do better than others, showing their ambition and capability.
75
What is the defining goal of power?
The defining goal of power is social status and prestige, as well as control or dominance over people and resources.
76
What is the key difference between power and achievement values?
Achievement values emphasize the active demonstration of success through concrete performance, while power values emphasize attaining or preserving a dominant position within the social system.
77
What biological and interactional needs do power values derive from?
Power values derive from the biological need for dominance and control, and the interactional need for obtaining social approval.
78
What are some characteristics of individuals who value power?
Individuals who value power seek authority, wealth, and social power. They are focused on preserving their public image and gaining social recognition.
79
How do individuals who value power view money and material possessions?
They believe it is important to be rich, seeking to have a lot of money and expensive things.
80
How do people who value power feel about leadership and decision-making?
They want to be in charge, tell others what to do, and always want to be the ones making decisions. They like being the leader.
81
What is the defining goal of security?
The defining goal of security is safety, harmony, and stability of society, relationships, and self.
82
What individual and group needs do security values derive from?
Security values derive from the biological need for personal safety and the group need for species survival.
83
What are examples of security values?
Examples include social order, family security, national security, cleanliness, and reciprocation of favors.
84
How do people who value security view their surroundings?
They believe it is important to live in secure surroundings and avoid anything that might endanger their safety.
85
What is the attitude of people who value security toward national safety?
They think it is very important for their country to be safe and believe the state must watch for threats from both within and outside the country.
86
How do individuals who value security view cleanliness and organization?
They think it is important for things to be organized and clean and really dislike things being messy.
87
How do people who value security approach health?
They try hard to avoid getting sick and believe staying healthy is very important.
88
What do individuals who value security think about government stability?
They believe having a stable government is important and are concerned that the social order be protected.
89
What is the defining goal of conformity?
The defining goal of conformity is the restraint of actions, inclinations, and impulses likely to upset or harm others and violate social expectations or norms.
90
What needs do conformity values derive from?
Conformity values derive from the biological need for self-restraint and the interactional need to avoid disruptions in social interactions.
91
What are examples of conformity values?
Examples include obedience, self-discipline, politeness, and honoring parents and elders.
92
How do people who value conformity view authority and rules?
They believe that people should do what they’re told and follow rules at all times, even when no one is watching.
93
What is the attitude of individuals who value conformity toward behavior?
They think it is important to always behave properly and avoid doing anything others might say is wrong.
94
How do individuals who value conformity view respect for elders?
They believe they should always show respect to parents and older people and think it is important to be obedient.
95
What is the attitude of people who value conformity toward politeness?
They think it is important to be polite to others all the time and try never to disturb or irritate them.
96
What is the defining goal of tradition?
The defining goal of tradition is respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas provided by one's culture or religion.
97
What is the source of tradition values?
Tradition values derive from the interactional need for shared experience and faith within a culture or religious group.
98
How do tradition values relate to conformity values?
Tradition and conformity values are similar in that both involve subordinating the self to socially imposed expectations. Tradition, however, focuses on subordination to cultural or religious customs and ideas, while conformity focuses on interacting with people like parents, teachers, or bosses.
99
What are some examples of tradition values?
Examples include respect for tradition, being humble, devout, and accepting one's portion in life.
100
How do people who value tradition view material desires?
They think it's important not to ask for more than what they have and believe that people should be satisfied with what they have.
101
How do individuals who value tradition view religion?
Religious belief is important to them, and they try hard to do what their religion requires.
102
How do individuals who value tradition view customs and practices?
They think it is best to do things in traditional ways and believe it is important to maintain the customs they have learned.
103
What is the attitude of individuals who value tradition toward humility?
They think it is important to be humble and modest, striving not to draw attention to themselves.
104
What is the defining goal of benevolence?
The defining goal of benevolence is preserving and enhancing the welfare of those with whom one is in frequent personal contact, also known as the 'in-group'.
105
What is the source of benevolence values?
Benevolence values derive from the biological need for affiliation, the interactional need for smooth group functioning, and the group need for concern for others' welfare.
106
How do benevolence values promote social relations?
Benevolence values promote cooperative and supportive social relations by emphasizing voluntary concern for others' welfare, particularly within close groups like family and friends.
107
How do benevolence and conformity values differ in motivation?
Benevolence values provide an internalized motivational base for cooperative behavior, whereas conformity values motivate cooperation to avoid negative outcomes for oneself.
108
What are some examples of benevolence values?
Examples include being helpful, honest, forgiving, responsible, loyal, and having true friendships and mature love.
109
How do people who value benevolence view helping others?
They believe it is very important to help those around them and care for their well-being.
110
What is the attitude of people who value benevolence toward loyalty?
They think it is important to be loyal to friends and devote themselves to people close to them.
111
How do people who value benevolence respond to the needs of others?
They feel it is important to respond to the needs of others and try to support those they know.
112
How do individuals who value benevolence view forgiveness?
They believe forgiving people who have hurt them is important and try to see the good in others without holding grudges.
113
What is the defining goal of universalism?
The defining goal of universalism is understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and for nature.
114
How does universalism differ from benevolence values?
Universalism focuses on the welfare of all people and nature, whereas benevolence values focus on the welfare of those in one's in-group.
115
What are the sources of universalism values?
Universalism values derive from biological needs for personal survival and group survival, and from awareness of the scarcity of natural resources.
116
How do universalism values contribute to social relations?
Universalism values emphasize social justice, equality, and peace, advocating for fair treatment of all people and the protection of the natural environment.
117
What are some examples of universalism values?
Examples include being broadminded, supporting social justice, promoting equality, protecting the environment, and striving for peace among all people.
118
What is the attitude of people who value universalism toward equality?
They believe it is important that every person in the world be treated equally and that everyone should have equal opportunities in life.
119
How do people who value universalism view listening to others?
They think it is important to listen to people who are different, even if they disagree, and to seek to understand them.
120
What is the view of people who value universalism toward nature?
They strongly believe that people should care for nature and protect the environment.
121
What do people who value universalism think about global harmony?
They believe that all the world's people should live in harmony and that promoting peace among all groups is important.
122
How do people who value universalism feel about justice for others?
They believe everyone, even people they don't know, should be treated justly and that it is important to protect the weak in society
123
What is the attitude of people who value universalism toward adapting to nature?
They think it is important to adapt to nature and fit into it, believing that people should not change nature.
124
Provide examples of values that are consistent and conflicting.
Consistent: Achievement and power; Tradition and conformity.
Conflicting: Achievement vs. benevolence; Novelty vs. tradition.
125
What are the competing value dimensions, conservation and openness to change, in Schwartz's theory?
Conservation values (security, conformity, tradition) focus on order, self-restriction, and preservation of the past, while
Openness to Change values (self-direction, stimulation, hedonism) emphasize independence, action, and readiness to change. These dimensions represent oppositions between stability and change.
126
What is the opposition between Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement values?
Self-Transcendence values (universalism, benevolence) focus on the welfare and interests of others, while Self-Enhancement values (power, achievement, hedonism) emphasize pursuing one's own interests, success, and dominance over others.
127
What is the shared motivational emphasis between power and achievement?
Both focus on social superiority and esteem.
128
What is the shared motivational emphasis between achievement and hedonism?
Both emphasize self-centered satisfaction.
129
What is the shared motivational emphasis between hedonism and stimulation?
Both reflect a desire for affectively pleasant arousal.
130
What is the shared motivational emphasis between stimulation and self-direction?
Both involve an intrinsic interest in novelty and mastery.
131
What is the shared motivational emphasis between self-direction and universalism?
Both emphasize reliance upon one’s own judgment and comfort with the diversity of existence.
132
What is the shared motivational emphasis between universalism and benevolence?
Both focus on the enhancement of others and transcendence of selfish interests.
133
What is the shared motivational emphasis between benevolence and tradition?
Both involve devotion to one’s in-group.
134
What is the shared motivational emphasis between benevolence and conformity?
Both promote normative behavior that strengthens close relationships.
135
What is the shared motivational emphasis between conformity and tradition?
Both involve subordination of self in favor of socially imposed expectations.
136
What is the shared motivational emphasis between tradition and security?
Both focus on preserving existing social arrangements that provide certainty in life.
137
What is the shared motivational emphasis between conformity and security?
Both are focused on the protection of order and harmony in relationships.
138
What is the shared motivational emphasis between security and power?
Both aim to avoid or overcome threats by controlling relationships and resources.
139
What is the definition of values in Schwartz’s theory?
Values are broad, desirable goals that motivate actions and serve as guiding principles in people’s lives.
140
What is the justification for the development of a theory of values?
A theory of values is needed to explain the structure and dynamics of human motivations and how different values influence behavior and social interactions.
141
What is the nature of values in Schwartz’s theory?
Values are organized in a circular structure with values that are congruent with each other placed near one another, while opposing values are located at opposite ends of the circle.
142
What are the 10 basic values according to Schwartz's theory?
The 10 basic values are:
1. Benevolence
2. Universalism
3. Self-Direction
4. Security
5. Conformity
6. Hedonism
7. Achievement
8. Tradition
9. Stimulation
10. Power
143
What is the defining goal of Benevolence?
The goal of Benevolence is to preserve and enhance the welfare of those with whom one is in frequent personal contact, such as family and close friends.
144
What is the defining goal of Universalism?
Universalism emphasizes understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and nature.
145
What is the defining goal of Self-Direction?
The goal of Self-Direction is to encourage independent thought and action, as well as personal autonomy and creativity.
146
What is the defining goal of Security?
Security values focus on safety, stability, and harmony in society, relationships, and personal well-being.
147
What is the defining goal of Conformity?
Conformity emphasizes restraint of actions that might disrupt or harm others and violate social expectations or norms.
148
What is the defining goal of Hedonism?
Hedonism focuses on seeking pleasure or sensuous gratification for oneself.
149
What is the defining goal of Achievement?
Achievement values focus on personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards.
150
What is the defining goal of Tradition?
Tradition values emphasize respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas that one's culture or religion provides.
151
What is the defining goal of Stimulation?
Stimulation values focus on excitement, novelty, and challenge in life, and the desire for affectively pleasant arousal.
152
What is the defining goal of Power?
Power values focus on social status and prestige, as well as control or dominance over people and resources.
153
How does Schwartz explain the circular structure of values?
The circular structure places values that share similar motivations close to each other, and values that oppose each other are placed at opposite ends of the circle, creating a dynamic relationship between them.
154
What are the two main dimensions of values in Schwartz’s theory?
The two main dimensions are:
1. Openness to Change vs. Conservation
2. Self-Enhancement vs. Self-Transcendence
155
What is the dimension of Openness to Change?
Openness to Change values focus on independence of thought, action, and feelings, as well as a readiness to change and explore new experiences. This includes values like Self-Direction and Stimulation.
156
What is the dimension of Conservation?
Conservation values focus on preserving order, tradition, and stability. This includes values like Security, Conformity, and Tradition.
157
What is the dimension of Self-Enhancement?
Self-Enhancement values focus on pursuing one’s own interests and success, as well as gaining dominance over others. This includes values like Power, Achievement, and Hedonism.
158
What is the dimension of Self-Transcendence?
Self-Transcendence values focus on the welfare and interests of others, aiming to transcend selfish interests. This includes values like Benevolence and Universalism.
159
How do values within each dimension relate to each other?
Values within each dimension are aligned in their goals and motivations. For example, Self-Enhancement values are focused on personal success, while Self-Transcendence values emphasize the well-being of others.
160
What are some key oppositions between competing values in Schwartz’s theory?
Examples of value oppositions include:
1. Achievement vs. Benevolence
2. Novelty vs. Tradition
3. Hedonism vs. Universalism
4. Power vs. Self-Transcendence
