Rokeach M. -1973-. The Nature Of Human Values. New York !!hot!! Free Press Direct
The Nature of Human Values (1973) Milton Rokeach establishes a seminal framework for understanding values as the central, guiding principles of human behavior and belief systems
Here's an essay that explores the key concepts and implications of Milton Rokeach's work on human values: The Nature of Human Values (1973) Milton Rokeach
- Rokeach, M. (1973). The Nature of Human Values. Free Press.
- Rokeach, M. (1979). Understanding Human Values: Individual and Societal. Free Press.
- Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the content and structure of values. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology.
But Rokeach observed a dangerous trap: the means can become ends. A person who values "Ambitious" above all else may achieve a "Sense of Accomplishment" but lose "Family Security" or "Happiness." This clash, Rokeach notes, is the engine of intra-psychic conflict. Rokeach, M
The core of Rokeach’s theory is the distinction between two types of values, which are measured using the widely adopted Rokeach Value Survey (RVS) : But Rokeach observed a dangerous trap: the means
Individuals rank values in order of importance, creating a stable system of priorities. Functional Purpose:
- Cultural Specificity: Rokeach’s 18 terminal and 18 instrumental values were derived from Western, primarily American, samples. Do they hold in collectivist cultures (East Asia, Africa, Indigenous societies)? Researchers have found that the list needs significant adaptation. For example, "Salvation" (Christian theological term) may have no equivalent in Buddhist or secular societies.
- Static Nature: The ranking method captures a snapshot in time. Critics argue values are more fluid and context-dependent than Rokeach allowed. A parent might rank "Obedient" high at home but "Imaginative" high at work.
- The Ranking Problem: Forcing a strict 1-to-18 ranking ignores ties. Some values (e.g., "Health," surprisingly absent from his terminal list) might be universally prerequisite. Additionally, the act of ranking can create artificial distinctions.
- Predictive Power: While values predict general life directions (career choice, political party), they are poor predictors of specific single actions, which are also influenced by situation, habit, and emotion.
Rokeach defines values as "desirable states of existence" or "modes of behavior" that serve as guiding principles for individuals and cultures. He argues that values are not simply abstract concepts, but rather, they have a concrete, psychological reality that influences human thought, feeling, and action. Values are considered essential components of human personality, shaping our attitudes, preferences, and behaviors.
