Preferences in values of two generations

Abstract

The results of the family value study were presented. The aim of the study was to compare value hierarchy in two generations: parents and their children. The sample included 468 person: 290 participants represent older generation (mean age – 49,5, 59% women), 178 participants represent younger generation (mean age – 23,3, 60% women). The list of 16 values (education, interesting work, high income, happy marriage, true friends etc.) was offered to respondents. At first they were asked to choose 7 most important values, and then 3 values from the 7. For each value the percent of participants, who chose it as most important, were calculated; and the hierarchy of values for two generation were constructed. It was found out that most and less important values were equal for parents and children. Most important values were "happy marriage" and "true friends", less important values were "power", "celebrity" and "popularity". However the frequency of value choice was different in older and younger generations. For example, value "happy marriage" was more important for parents then for children, percent of children who choose this value was significant lower than percent of parents. The same results were found out for "power", "celebrity" and "popularity" – these values were more important for younger participants than for older participants.