Values

Definition

Values are deeply held beliefs and principles that guide individuals' behaviors and decision-making. They shape the way people perceive the world, interact with others, and prioritize their goals in life. In the context of social stratification, values play a crucial role in determining how individuals and groups are viewed and treated within society, influencing their social mobility and access to resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Values can vary significantly across different cultures and societies, influencing what is considered acceptable or desirable behavior.
2. In functionalist theory, shared values contribute to social cohesion and stability by providing a common framework for individuals within a society.
3. Values often intersect with social class, as individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds may prioritize different values based on their lived experiences.
4. Social mobility can be impacted by values; for instance, communities that emphasize education may foster higher rates of academic achievement and upward mobility.
5. Changes in societal values over time can lead to shifts in social norms, affecting how stratification is perceived and challenged.

Review Questions

• How do values influence individual behavior and decision-making within a stratified society?
  • Values significantly influence individual behavior by shaping priorities, guiding choices, and establishing what is deemed acceptable conduct. In a stratified society, those values may differ between classes, impacting how individuals interact with one another. For example, values around education may lead individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue advanced degrees while others may prioritize immediate employment due to economic necessity.
• Discuss the role of shared values in promoting social cohesion according to functionalist theory.
  • Functionalist theory posits that shared values play an essential role in maintaining social order and cohesion by creating a sense of belonging among members of a society. When individuals subscribe to common values, it fosters cooperation and mutual support, helping to stabilize society. This sense of unity can also facilitate collective actions aimed at addressing social issues or advocating for changes in the social stratification system.
• Evaluate how changing societal values can impact the structure of social stratification over time.
  • Changing societal values can lead to significant shifts in the structure of social stratification by altering perceptions of success, meritocracy, and equality. As new values emerge—such as increased emphasis on diversity or environmental sustainability—societies may reassess what constitutes social worth or status. This reevaluation can result in policy changes that enhance opportunities for previously marginalized groups, thereby reshaping existing hierarchies and enabling greater social mobility.

Related terms

Norms:

Social expectations that guide behavior within a culture or society, often derived from shared values.

Socialization:

The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their culture or society.

Cultural Capital:

The non-financial social assets, such as education and cultural knowledge, that promote social mobility in a stratified society.