Changes in social value systems. The basis of a cultural theory of social change

Authors

  • Andrzej Słaboń Cracow University of Economics

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15678/ZP.2017.39.1.06

Keywords:

values, theory of culture, social change, compensational processes

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to formulate a cultural theory of social changes. The author analyzes the process of change in the sphere of values, which are the main component of culture. A value is defined as validity. Changes in the sphere of values occur not only in the vertical but also in the horizontal dimension (shifts between the centre and peripheries). The author distinguishes several types of value systems that are characteristic of the Polish society: traditional, post-traditional, universalistic, success-oriented, consumption-driven, and rebellious. Changes in the sphere of values occur when the degree of coherence of each of the systems rises or when the systems interact (e.g. during a “war of cultures”). Changes of social values can also be the result of compensational processes in response to dominating characteristics of social reality.

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Author Biography

  • Andrzej Słaboń, Cracow University of Economics

    Department of Sociology
    ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Kraków

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Published

2017-02-09

How to Cite

Słaboń, A. (2017). Changes in social value systems. The basis of a cultural theory of social change. Journal of Public Governance, 39(1), 56-66. https://doi.org/10.15678/ZP.2017.39.1.06