Social values: Meaning and definition
- Social values are ideas which help an individual to discriminate whether a particular object or behaviour is good or bad, desirable or undesirable.
- The rules that govern action directed towards achieving values are called norms.
- Norms are the accepted and approved forms of behavior that are based on and consistent with dominant social values in society. The values and norms go together.
Some definitions given by experts in social values
Social values are relatively enduring (lasting or permanent) awareness plus emotion regarding an object, idea or person (Green, 1964).
Social values are abstract and often unconscious assumptions of what is right and important (Young, 1959).
Types of social values
a. Ultimate Values:
- Also known as dominant values constitute and is the core of society’s value system.
- Ultimate values express the general views of society and found most easily in social institutions such as family, religion and government.
- These are abstract and often not attainable. For example; Good character
b. Intermediate Values:
- Intermediate values are derived from ultimate values and can be categorized into more reasonably attainable category e.g. freedom of speech, religious freedom, free public education, non-discrimination, housing etc. in framework of social institutions such as religion, government and education.
c. Specific Values:
- The sub-division of intermediate values are called specific values and are almost unlimited in members.
- Specific values must be in conformity with the total value system of which they form the smallest unit. Like, Decent, Respectful to society, Punctual.