1.

What are the basic values that form the foundation of American Culture?

2.

What new values have developed since the 1970s ?

The vast majority of Americans share certain values …

 American Society Association (ASA) sociologist, Robin M. Williams analyzed American values. He identified a set of 12-14 values that are central to the American way of life.

 Despite our diverse culture (ethnic, racial, religious, social-status, and geography) we share the following values …

Traditional American Values (12)

 Personal Achievement  Individualism  Work  Morality and Humanitarianism  Efficiency and Practicality  Progress and Material Comfort  Equality and Democracy  Freedom

Personal Achievement

 This value is not a surprise considering that the U.S. was built primarily by people who believed in individualism and competition.

 The belief is most evident in the area of employment, where achievement is often measured in terms of power and wealth.

Individualism

 Individual effort is the key to personal achievement. Americans strongly believe that success comes through hard work and initiative.

 This individualism has a negative side: Most Americans feel that if a person does not succeed, that the person is to blame.

Work

 Most Americans value work, regardless of the rewards involved.  Americans view discipline, dedication, and hard work as signs of virtue.  They often view those who choose not to work as lazy and even immoral.

Morality and Humanitarianism

 The US was founded on strong religious faith, on the belief in justice and equality, and on charity toward the less fortunate.

 Most Americans place a high value on morality and tend to view the world in terms of right and wrong.

 However, we are quick to help others.

Efficiency and Practicality

 Americans tend to be practical and inventive people. They believe that every problem has a solution.

 Problem solving requires the most efficient technique and/or a practical response.

 As a result, Americans tend to judge objects on its usefulness and judge people on their ability to get things done.

Progress and Material Comfort

 Americans are optimistic. They believe that through hard work and determination, living standards will improve.  This belief is paired with a belief in the ability of science and technology to make the world a better place. We strive for a high standard of living.

 Both are important because Americans place a high value on material comfort.

Equality and Democracy

 The US was founded on the principle of equality. Americans believe that to have equality, there must be equal opportunity and a chance at success.

 The belief in quality extends to the form of government – Democracy. government.

Americans believe that citizens have the right to express their opinions and participate freely in choosing their representatives in

Freedom

 Americans particularly value personal freedoms of choice such as religion, speech, and press.

 Americans steadfastly protect these freedoms from direct government interference in their daily lives and in business dealings.

Our Changing Values

 Values, like all aspects of society, are dynamic. They change and new ones emerge.

 New values include:  self-fulfillment  narcissism.

Self-fulfillment

 Is the commitment to the full development of one’s personality, talents, and potential.

 This can be seen in the self-help industry, leisure, physical fitness, and youthfulness.

Narcissism

 The growing emphasis on personal fulfillment creates a debate, how much is too much?!?.

 The term narcissism, which means extreme self centeredness. The belief is that it weakened the established values of hard work and moderation and threatened the stability of the system.

Even though values are vital to the stability of society…

 They sometimes produce conflict.

 Not everyone agrees on what are acceptable American values.

 Even when people agree, individuals do not uphold all of these values to the same degree.

Other Core Values

 Nationalism and Patriotism  Science and Rationality  Education  Religious values  Romantic Love