Comparing Values Across Cultures and Over Time

Kluckhohn and Strodbeck were anthropologists and they claim that there are certain basic value orientations centering around universal human problems or issues which are represented on this chart.

A further clarification of the table is found in the text below the table.

 

Explanation of the Categories

Human Nature - This refers to the basic nature of human beings

Evil - people are born with a predisposition to do wrong. (original sin or selfishness)

Neutral/Mixed - people are neutral or mixed and the things that happen to them point them in one direction or another.

Good - people are born with a predisposition to be good

Humans / Nature - this refers to the relationship between people and nature

Subjugation - this value orientation see people as being we and nature strong the proper relationship between people and nature is for people to be submissive.

Harmony - in this view people should try to live in harmony with nature neither trying to conquer it or treat it with fear and submission but to find ways to accommodate themselves to nature and use it.

Mastery - this is the view that nature is there for people to use, tame, dominate, and control.

Time Orientation

Past - in societies with this orientation people look to the ancestors, older wise persons, and tradition (often found in religions or scripture) for guidance and the solutions to problems.

Present - very much now oriented without much interest in the past or the future.

Future - the meaning of life is seen in terms of future. This can be building a better world for oneself and one's the children or in terms of preparing for the afterlife.

Activity Orientation

Being - this orientation is hedonistic (pleasure seeking) and spontaneous. The authors talk about this a being exemplified by the idea of the fiesta or the Italian uninhibited pursuit of a good time.

Being in Becoming - the key idea here is self development, this can take many forms. Everything from the human potential movement, to artistic pursuits, to perfecting one's moral and spiritual practice.

Doing - here the focus is on action and achievement. The question is not who are you but what have you done.

Relational Orientation - this refers to how one sees the nature of relationships between people.

Lineal - this is a hierarchical view that sees human relationships to be good when each person knows their place and their duties to their superiors and inferiors. Order comes from obeying those in power.

Collateral - this orientation puts the good of the group or collective first. We must work together, each sharing our points of view and skills to find solutions to problems.

Individual - this orientation looks for personal freedom and responsibility. The lineal and collateral are seen as restricting one's freedom.