What does it mean to “have values”? In sociology, values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that shape our social behavior and societal structures. Think of them as the compass guiding not only individual choices, but also the collective norms of a society. They provide stability and a sense of shared understanding.
This article will dive into the sociological definition of values, exploring various types and perspectives on how they function in society. We’ll examine how different sociological viewpoints – functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism – help us understand the role of values.
Ultimately, understanding the definition of values in sociology helps us better understand why we do what we do, both as individuals and as a society.
What are values in sociology?
In sociology, we define “values” as the standards a culture uses to describe how desirable, good, and beautiful something is. Values are the intangible things a society believes in, and they define what a society considers good and worthwhile. They’re the measuring sticks we use to decide if something is good or bad, right or wrong. Values are abstract ideas about what we think is desirable and worthy of respect.
In other words, values are the beliefs individuals and societies have about what’s important. They guide our decisions about what’s right and wrong, good and bad. We learn about values from a young age, and they’re culturally constructed, so they change over time and vary across cultures. Values reflect the historical and social contexts we live in.
What are the characteristics of values?
Values are beliefs. People generally accept them as truths, even though they may not be empirically verifiable.
Values are relatively permanent. They can and do change, but not frequently.
We learn values through socialization. Family, education, religion, and media all play a role.
Values exist in hierarchies. We prioritize some over others, and these priorities can change depending on the situation.
Values are universal. All societies have them. But how each society expresses those values can differ significantly.
Types of values
Values come in different forms and flavors. Here are some of the main classifications you’ll see when you study sociology.
Instrumental and terminal values
Instrumental values are the means to an end, the qualities that help you achieve your goals. Think of them as tools you use to get where you want to be. Ambition, honesty, and hard work are all examples of instrumental values. You don’t necessarily value these things in and of themselves, but you need them to reach a certain objective.
Terminal values, on the other hand, are the end goals themselves. They’re the things you’re striving for, the desired end-states. Happiness, security, and freedom are terminal values. They’re the core of what you’re after in life.
Cultural and social values
Cultural values are the values that are widely shared within a particular culture. For example, Western culture often emphasizes individuality and freedom, while collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony and integration.
Social values are related to how people interact with each other within a society. They’re often connected to the dominant culture. Respect for elders and patriotism are examples of social values.
Personal, moral, aesthetic, economic/political, and family values
Personal values are unique to each individual. What one person cherishes, another might not even consider important.
Moral values have to do with justice, right and wrong, fairness and unfairness. Honesty, fairness, and compassion fall into this category.
Aesthetic values are all about beauty and artistic taste. What one person finds beautiful, another might find unappealing.
Economic and political values are related to how a society is organized, and they touch on issues like distributive justice and freedom.
Family values emphasize the importance of the family unit. These values can vary widely across cultures and even within families.
Other classifications
There are other ways to classify values, too:
- Positive and negative values
- Dominant and variant values (for example, the choice of food, vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian)
- Innate and acquired values
- Intrinsic and extrinsic values
Sociological Perspectives on Values
Sociologists have different ideas about where values come from and how they function in society. Here’s a look at how three main schools of sociological thought view values.
Functionalism
Functionalists see values as essential for keeping society stable and orderly. They believe that shared social and cultural values are necessary to keep things running smoothly. Values help create social solidarity and cohesion, binding people together.
Thinkers like Émile Durkheim believed that values are the foundation of social order and provide a sense of collective identity. Robert Merton expanded on this, discussing how values can lead to both intended and unintended consequences in society.
Conflict Theory
Conflict theorists, drawing from the work of Karl Marx, see values as tools used by powerful groups to control and oppress others. In this view, values aren’t naturally agreed upon but are manufactured and imposed by those in charge to maintain social inequality.
Dominant values can reinforce existing power structures, making it harder for marginalized groups to challenge the status quo. The concept of “false consciousness” comes into play when oppressed people accept the dominant values, even when those values work against their own interests.
Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic interactionists focus on how values are socially constructed and passed down through everyday interactions. They believe that values aren’t fixed or inherent but are constantly being shaped and changed through communication and shared meanings.
People internalize values through socialization, learning what’s considered important or desirable in their society. This process involves ongoing communication and interpretation, with individuals actively participating in the creation and reinforcement of values.
Values vs. Norms
It’s easy to confuse values and norms, but they aren’t quite the same thing. Think of norms as socially enforced rules for behavior. They tell you what you should or shouldn’t do in a given situation. They are concrete and specific.
Values, on the other hand, are abstract ideas. They’re the principles that guide a society. Norms are how we put those principles into action.
For example, many societies value respect for older adults. We express this value through norms like offering elders a seat, listening to their stories, and seeking their advice. These norms enforce the value of respect. If you violate these norms (say, by ignoring an elder who is speaking to you), you are implicitly challenging the value itself.
In short, values are the “why” and norms are the “how.” Norms are the rules that help us maintain the values we cherish.
Why do values matter in sociology?
Values do a lot of work in a society. They:
- Create stability. Values guide individual behavior. When most people in a society share similar values, social interactions become more predictable.
- Promote cohesion. Shared values help people feel connected to one another. This sense of belonging can be vital for social harmony.
- Influence behavior. Values guide our choices, big and small. They shape how we interact with others, what goals we pursue, and what we consider right or wrong.
- Shape identity. Values contribute to a group’s unique cultural identity. They distinguish one society from another and provide a sense of shared heritage.
- Drive change. Values aren’t static. Evolving values can lead to social movements and transformations as societies adapt to new ideas and challenges.
- Justify social structures. Values can be used to defend the status quo or to argue for reform. They provide a framework for explaining why things are the way they are.
- Underpin ethics. Values are at the heart of ethical considerations. They provide the foundation for moral principles and inform our understanding of right and wrong.
In short, values are fundamental for building a functioning and meaningful society.
Wrapping Up
In sociology, values are the core beliefs that shape how individuals act and how societies are structured. They’re the fundamental principles that guide our judgments about what’s right and wrong, good and bad, desirable and undesirable.
Understanding a society’s values is crucial for understanding its culture and addressing the challenges it faces. By examining the values that underpin social norms, institutions, and behaviors, sociologists can gain insights into issues like inequality, conflict, and social change. This understanding is essential for fostering empathy and promoting positive social outcomes.
Values aren’t static; they evolve over time in response to changing social, economic, and political conditions. Their dynamic nature makes the ongoing study of values essential for navigating our ever-changing world.