UNIVERSAL VALUES: CLASSIFICATION AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY

The universal values are values that apply to all human beings, regardless of their social, ethnic or cultural origin. A value is considered universal when it goes beyond laws and beliefs; rather, it is considered to have the same meaning for all people and does not vary across societies.

The definition of universal value and its existence are conjectures subject to studies in social sciences, such as moral philosophy and cultural anthropology. In fact, cultural relativism is a belief that is opposed to the existence of universal values; proposes that a value cannot be universal because it is perceived differently in each culture.

What are universal values?

Given the ambiguity of the term, the existence of universal values can be understood in two ways.

The first is that a large number of human beings, under different conditions of life and subjected to different beliefs, find a certain human characteristic equally valuable. In that case, the characteristic in question would then be called a universal value.

The second is that something is considered universal value when all human beings have reason to think that it is a characteristic that is generally valued, regardless of whether or not that characteristic is believed.

For example, non-violence could be considered a universal value, because even those who cause acts of violence can appreciate the common need for peace.

Universal values are believed to be the types of values that define the foundation of human integrity, but their definition and existence remain widely discussed concepts in psychology, political science, and philosophy.

Universal values in different branches of the social sciences

Philosophy

The philosophical study of universal values seeks to answer certain questions, such as the importance and meaning of what a universal value is and the veracity of its existence in societies.

Sociology

In sociology, the study of values seeks to understand how these are formed within a functional society.

Psychology

In psychology is where more emphasis has been given to the study of universal values. A number of practical studies have been developed, with Shalom Schwartz being the most prominent psychologist to do so.

These studies seek to define the concept of universal value for a society and which values could be considered as universal for all human beings.

Until now, the most widely accepted model of universal values is that proposed by Shalom Schwartz, after studying more than 25,000 individuals in 44 different countries. According to Schwartz, there are 10 types of universal values that are present in all types and forms of human culture.

Shalom Schwartz's Theory of Human Values

Schwartz's study resulted in the creation of his Theory of Basic Human Values, which is used in the field of intercultural research.

The author considers that his theory is nothing more than an expansion of other previous investigations, and this has been applied in cultural investigations that seek the relationship of the values that occur within two or more societies.

Schwartz, based on the 10 values that he identifies in his theory, also describes the relationships they have with each other and the values that define them.

There are 4 groups of attributes that encompass all the categories studied by the psychologist:

- Ability to change, which includes the ability to direct oneself.

- Ability to improve oneself, which encompasses hedonism, achievement and power.

- Conservation capacity, which encompasses security, conformity and tradition.

- Ability to transcend: encompasses benevolence and universalism.

Interactions between values

In addition to identifying values, Schwartz's theory explains how they interact with each other. The pursuit of one of these values results in harmony with another; for example, if you are looking for security you must go through compliance.

In turn, this search can result in a conflict between two values: if benevolence is sought, there would be a conflict with power.

Classification according to Schwartz

According to the Schwartz hypothesis, universal values can be divided into three different categories:

1- Related to biological needs

This line includes the values that have to do with the basic requirements of the human being.

2- Related to social needs

In this case it is about the values that have to do with social interaction, the need for recognition of the other and coordinated functioning in the context of a society.

3- Related to good living and survival

The values linked to this category have to do not only with promoting the functioning of society, but also with seeking that this functioning is generated in the best possible way. The ultimate goal is to produce well-being for all members of society.

Examples of universal values

The clash between values led to the creation of the Schwartz classification scheme, which in turn generated the 10 main types of universal values:

1- power

In turn, this is subdivided into authority, leadership, dominance, social power and economic well-being.

2- The achievements

They are represented by success, personal ability, ambition, influence, intelligence and the respect of each person for himself.

3- Hedonism

This is broken down into the subcategories of pleasure and enjoyment of life.

4- Personal stimuli

They are represented by extreme, exciting activities and a full life.

5- Self-directing

It is subdivided into creativity, freedom, independence, curiosity and the ability of each person to choose their own goals.

6- Universalism

Represented by the breadth of goals, wisdom, social justice, equality between humans, a world in peace, harmony and beauty. It is also reflected in the unity with nature, the protection of the environment and the harmony of each person with himself.

7- benevolence

It translates into help, honesty, forgiveness, loyalty, responsibility, and friendship.

8- Tradition

Tradition includes accepting one's role in life, humility, devotion, respect for traditions, and personal moderation.

9- Compliance

It also includes the capacity for discipline and obedience.

10- security

It includes personal "cleanliness" from a mental point of view, family security and national security, stability of the social order and reciprocity of favors, a sense of belonging and health.

In the study of Schwartz also gave rise to spiritualism, but the psychologist realized that not all societies give importance to this characteristic. Originally, Schwartz planned to round his study to 11 universal values, but after the result of spiritualism, he kept it at 10.

Themes of interest

Human values.

Antivalues.

Sociocultural values.

Moral values.

Spiritual values.

Aesthetic values.

Material values.

Intellectual values.

Instrumental values.

Political values.

Cultural values.

Hierarchy of values.

Priority values.

Personal values.

Transcendental values.

Objective values.

Vital values.

Ethical values.