WHAT IS A HIERARCHY OF VALUES? ELEMENTS AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY

The hierarchy of values is a range of higher and lower values in which the moral and ideological order of life is established. For example, a person may value family more and money or leisure less.

The importance of the hierarchy of values lies in the fact that in life it is important to have priorities and give value to what is considered to help happiness and well-being, both for yourself and for those close to you.

The order of these values is highly debated and difficult to determine, since to reach a conclusion the process is subjective because it will depend on personal, group, educational, cultural and social perspectives.

A large number of values can be ordered in a hierarchy to demonstrate their importance with respect to others, where spiritual, intellectual, artistic, moral values, among others, are involved.

Concept of hierarchy of values

To have greater clarity on the concept of hierarchy of values, it is prudent to define what is a hierarchy and what is value, by its nature, characteristics, importance and influence on human life.

The hierarchy is an organized structure in which scales of importance or systems of greater or lesser relevance are established within the same environment.

Value is something that has in itself a degree of category, that influences the human being that gives it meaning and that can be used to decide or justify. The value is closely related to the principles and feelings attitudes that an individual possesses when acting.

The hierarchy of values requires that human beings have a very clear and filtered system of their values, since they are responsible for personal and social direction. But it does not mean that the values are immutable and that they cannot change.

Values can change, for example in the early stages of life the value that may be most important to a person may change later; It can also change according to the social, work, cultural and religious sphere.

Values have a personal character, each one gives the degree of importance they want to this or that value according to their social point of view in the value system.

Elements of the hierarchy of values

The hierarchy of values is important to lead a happy and well-being life

The hierarchy of values will depend on three very important elements:

-The person, who is the one who determines which are the most important values according to their needs, interests, aspirations, training, their personal and social conditions.

-A second element is the qualities of courage, which has to do with personal preference.

-The third element that influences is the situation in which the person lives, since it is decisive in the position and preference of their hierarchy of values.

The following characteristics can be highlighted through these three elements mentioned above:

-The values have two poles, the positive and the negative as good and evil

-They have a range within the world of values ranging from lousy to excellent.

-There is a social, moral and ethical hierarchy.

-The values are in themselves a quality and do not determine a quantity, that is to say, they are not quantifiable.

-They are also flexible as they can change over time according to the experiences and needs of individuals

-Its durability varies, some being more permanent than others.

Types of securities

There is a great variety of values, including 12 main ones that are classified as: personal, family, universal, material, economic, human, ethical, pragmatic, aesthetic, sociocultural, moral and spiritual. Here are some of the most important:

Universal values

They understand the norms of relationship and society established and imposed by the community at specific times and according to particular needs.

Religious values

They are those that are established by each slope, doctrine or religious denomination; they can be pagan beliefs or integrated and recognized worldwide.

Moral values

They are what derive from their relationship with society and are useful when making decisions since they are subject to ethics.

Biological values

They are known as those that emerge from the basic needs of man, such as food, health, housing, personal care, among others.

Economic values

It refers to the value of the physical and wealth; They are those that satisfy the material, commercial, goods, and objects needs, among others.

Psychological values

They are those that are observed through human behavior.

Aesthetic values

They are those that focus on beauty as the main object, seeking balance, functionality and visual impact.

Example of hierarchy of values

Empathy and solidarity are very constructive personal values. Source: pixabay.com

A person could have a hierarchy of values based on the following qualification.

-Honesty.

-Justice.

-Tolerance.

-Humility.

-Generosity.

-Responsibility.

-Wisdom.

-Patience.

-Beauty.

-Success.

It would be a person who gives more importance to values such as honesty and justice, and less importance to values such as beauty or success.

Importance of the hierarchy of values

The importance of the hierarchy of values are convictions that determine, guide and guide the behavior of a person, their aspirations, interests and their behavior in society.

Values are the foundations of social life, which allow people to coexist. Your hierarchy helps set priorities.

The most important values are those that are part of the identity, they tell us how to express ourselves and live. The clearer the values and their hierarchy, the orientation and the very meaning of life are determined according to purpose and perspectives.

Teaching the importance of the hierarchy of values in school, home and in social groups from an early age can contribute to having a better vision of the composition and functionality of values in humanity.

Business distractions, products, new communication standards and interpersonal relationships have relegated the inculcation of values at all levels, both family and social, academic and work.

The order of degree of values has shifted in many cases in line with the changes that modernity is going through.

Globalization may be one of the main reasons that the cultural values of society are disappearing and creating new 'values'.

Themes of interest

Types of securities.

Human values.

Antivalues.

Universal values.

Sociocultural values.

Moral values.

Aesthetic values.

Material values.

Intellectual values.

Instrumental values.

Political values.

Priority values.

Transcendental values.

Objective values.

Vital values.

Ethical values.