11 Types of fundamental values ​​in social life

Values ​​are the qualities that drive us to act in one way or another, to critically determine what we consider to be right or wrong, and even to regard a situation, individual or object as positive or negative.

For this reason, values ​​are part of our principles as individuals, they characterize us and, in the same way, they relate us to the people around us, with whom we share many similarities.

Each person has established a scale of values in which he determines which are the postures and behaviors that he must take according to his principles or situation in which he finds himself, in order to lead a more harmonious life with those around him.

However, although there are a large number of shared values, each person attributes a different order of importance. For example, in a group of friends everyone values ​​a sense of friendship, but for some respect and loyalty will be more important, and for others trust and honesty.

In this sense, we find values ​​that are shared and other particular, that respond, for example, to a social, cultural, organizational or religious order.

The first values ​​that we learn are the ones that are taught to us in our families, for example, love, respect and gratitude.

Then, as we integrate into society, we know and learn other types of values ​​such as human, social, cultural or ethical values, which complement our list of personal values, virtues and qualities.

It is worth mentioning that, although the values ​​have a positive connotation, there are also a series of anti - values or negative values ​​on which many people determine their behaviors and actions, such as selfishness or disrespect.

Values ​​and their essence are studied by axiology, a branch of philosophy.

Below are the types of values ​​most important and recognized by people through their personal relationships, activities and space in which they are found.

See also Socialization.

Moral values

Moral values ​​are made up of a set of norms and customs that are transmitted from society to individuals, so that they are respected and followed. These values ​​seek to maintain the balance of good behavior of people so that they can differentiate between good and bad, as well as what is just and unfair.

Ethical values

Ethical values ​​conform to behavioral guidelines that seek to regulate the behavior of individuals in society and are related to moral values. Among the ethical values, we can mention respect, integrity, justice, equity, among others.

Universal values

Universal values ​​encompass all those qualities and principles that are considered and recognized as positive and correct by all people. These values ​​are transversal in society and are not limited by any kind of cultural differences.

Universal values ​​define the behaviors and norms that allow us to carry out a harmonious, respectful, tolerant and integrating coexistence among all the individuals around us without any distinction because they can be shared and fostered constantly.

Human values

Human values ​​are those shared values ​​that establish principles and regulate people's actions, in order to achieve a healthy coexistence between individuals. Human values ​​are not limited by any type of cultural or religious barrier, since their purpose is to generate well-being through respect, solidarity, freedom, among others.

Cultural values

Cultural values ​​are known as the set of beliefs, customs, languages ​​and traditions shared and that identify a group of people. Cultural values ​​establish the sense of belonging that a person has with respect to his community, town, city and country.

These values ​​are characteristic and exclusive of a group of people, hence they establish the cultural identity of individuals.

Social values

Social values ​​are the set of values ​​recognized in a society and that determine the social behavior of the people who make up a community.

Social values ​​aim to strengthen human relationships and achieve a balance of social well-being through qualities that are considered positive, such as respect, justice, friendship, among others.

Religious values

Religious values ​​are composed of those behaviors established as correct according to the religion or dogmas that each individual follows. These values ​​are not imposed by society, however, they lead to the qualities and virtues that are considered correct in society, such as charity, solidarity, love, among others.

Family values

Family values ​​are made up of a series of principles, beliefs and customs that are taught at home and are passed down from generation to generation.

As a family, people learn what love, unity, respect, a sense of belonging and family ties are, among others. They are values ​​of great importance because they form the basis of every society.

Personal values

Personal values ​​are those that each person considers important to meet their wants and needs. For this reason, personal values ​​are adapted to each individual and define their personality, lifestyle, behavior, goals, among other things.

These values ​​are variable in time according to experiences or needs, and start from the idea of ​​acting under those actions that are considered correct and positive.

Civic values

Civic values ​​are those behaviors that are considered positive for the good and continuous development of society. These values ​​are recognized by various social groups and transmitted from one generation to another, therefore, they are also part of the social cultural legacy.

Values ​​of democracy

The values ​​of democracy are those that seek to establish the social order and progress of individuals. They are made up of ethical and social values ​​that seek to promote the principles of democracy, political understanding, freedom of thought and equal rights, among others.

Business values

Business values ​​are all those values ​​that define ethical principles and the organizational culture that identifies a company. These values ​​are intended to generate higher returns, a sense of belonging, and foster organizational culture.

Professional values

Professional values ​​are the values ​​that are based on the knowledge and experience of individuals, all of which allow them to make decisions in various work situations. These values ​​are related to ethical, moral and business values.