A New Empirical Approach to Intercultural Comparisons of Value Preferences Based on Schwartz’s Theory

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Erich H. Witte¹  Adrian Stanciu²  Klaus Boehnke² 

[1] Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg;Jacobs University Bremen;Institute for Gerontology, University of Vechta;Center for Sociocultural Research, National Research University Higher School of Economics

关键词: values;    Schwartz;    averaging approach;    distribution approach;    societal challenges;    cross-cultural;    European Social Survey;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01723

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Empirical tests of Schwartz’s theory of culture-level value priorities have predominantly been performed using an averaging approach–as values of the average individual in a culture. However, from a theory of measurement standpoint such an approach seems inadequate. We argue that the averaging approach is an insufficiently accurate methodology in capturing the compatibilities-incompatibilities between values of individuals within cultures. We propose an approach based on the distribution of values of individuals in a given culture–the distribution approach. Using data from two rounds of the European Social Survey, we show how frequencies of specific individual value priorities in a culture can be used toward the description of culture-level value preferences. We recommend a re-conceptualization of Schwartz’s culture-level value theory to an orthogonal two-dimensional structure, namely as Alteration vs. Preservation and Amenability vs. Dominance , which we explain based on heterogeneity in socioecological indicators across countries. We conclude that societal challenges may influence the cultural value climate across countries.

【 授权许可】

CC BY