Change of values in children and adults in modern Russia (1992–2009)

Abstract

S.Schwartz theory of cultural values is described; the results of the study using S.Schwartz method conducted in Russia from 1992 to 2005 are analyzed. In 1992 when Russia shifted to democracy and market economy values of conservatism and hierarchy attributable to communist model of society prevailed. The turning point to autonomy and mastery values necessary for free enterprise development was recorded at the edge of the centuries (1999–2000). At that moment a high rate of hierarchy value (the value opposite to egalitarianism) remained unchanged that was considered as an obstacle for democracy development. In 2005 an increase of autonomy and mastery values rates was observed and in young people group (students) an increase of egalitarianism value rate (the value ground for democracy development) was found. The similar results were obtained in the image of the world in preschool children study that was carried out on Russian sample by research team under supervision of M.S.Egorova in 1992–2009.