The importance of cultural values ? both for society and individuals ? cannot be overstated. Cultural values are what shape society, and shape and influence the people who live within that society; differences in cultural values between society and the individuals within can lead to problems such as culture clash, disagreements, and more.
That is why it?s vital that you not only understand the importance of cultural values as a whole but that you understand the cultural values themselves.
The following are 4 common cultural values examples that you need to know.
Being vs. Doing
A culture that values ?being? focuses on simply being in the world; that is, understanding the world and valuing concepts such as living together in harmony and peace, rather than attempting to exploit or alter the world to fit a certain view.
If your cultural values align with ?doing,? you are likely a more assertive person who believes they not only can but should, alter the world to achieve your goals.
A culture that values ?doing? focuses on changing the world around them through direct action. In other words, valuing the development of changes to the world in order to achieve goals both as a whole and for individuals.
If your cultural values align with ?being,? you are likely someone who values understanding people and living with them in harmony rather than changing the world to suit your beliefs.
Humane Orientation
A culture that values humane orientation emphasizes the importance of viewing others humanely; this includes promoting empathy, altruistic behaviors, and harmony among different races, cultures, and religions.
High humane orientation values also emphasize the importance of people helping out other people as a natural element of society, rather than relying on intervention from outside governments or powers.
For example, societies with a high level of this cultural value will often expect children to support their parents in their old age.
A culture that has lower humane orientation values emphasizes individuals solving their own problems and issues themselves.
For example, societies with a low level of this cultural value will not expect children to support their parents in their old age.
Indulgence vs. Restraint
A culture that values indulgence emphasizes the importance of personal enjoyment and pleasure. Personal pleasure seeking, such as partying, drinking, pursuing passions, etc, is encouraged and considered a norm.
A culture that values restraint emphasizes the importance of restricting luxurious indulgence. Pleasure-seeking activities are generally discouraged, especially if they are focused on personal enjoyment rather than group activities.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
A culture that values individualism emphasizes Independence and individual goals over the group as a whole. People are expected to focus more on individual goals, pursuits, and passions; families and groups are limited and more exclusive.
A culture that values collectivism emphasizes group harmony and group living over individual passions and pursuits. People are expected to view themselves through the lens of society as a whole, and families and social groups are broader and more inclusive.
