Rokeach M. -1973-. The Nature Of Human Values. New York __exclusive__ Free Press -
In 1973, Milton Rokeach published The Nature of Human Values (New York: Free Press)—a landmark work that reshaped how psychology, sociology, and marketing understand what drives human behavior.
| Domain | Contribution | |--------|---------------| | | Values as central cognitive components of the self-system. | | Social psychology | Values mediate between social structure and individual behavior. | | Attitude theory | Attitudes are specific applications of underlying value trade-offs. | | Ideology | Political and religious ideologies are institutionalized value hierarchies. | | Methodology | Ranking vs. rating solves problems of response set and social desirability. |
: These are the paths or modes of conduct we use to get to our goals. They are the daily behaviors we value. Examples include being honest, responsible, loving, broad-minded, and courageous. The Rokeach Value Survey (RVS)
The Nature of Human Values has been cited thousands of times and continues to appear in contemporary research. Its most direct legacy is the Rokeach Value Survey itself, which has been used in personality psychology, marketing, organizational behavior, social structure analysis, and cross‑cultural studies. In 1973, Milton Rokeach published The Nature of
"The Nature of Human Values" has had a lasting impact on various fields, including psychology, sociology, marketing, and public policy. The book's concepts and measurement tools have been applied in diverse contexts, such as:
The framework established in The Nature of Human Values continues to guide modern industry and research:
Rokeach began with a definition that remains a classic in the field. He described . A value, in other words, is not a passing preference but a stable conviction that one way of acting or one life goal is better than another. | | Attitude theory | Attitudes are specific
Rokeach defines a value as a core, lasting belief. It tells us that a specific way of behaving or a specific goal in life is better than the opposite choice.
Companies use Rokeach's ideas to understand why people buy certain brands. A person who ranks "an exciting life" very high will buy different things than someone who prioritizes "family security". Cross-Cultural Studies
: These represent "end-states of existence"—the ultimate goals an individual hopes to achieve in their lifetime. rating solves problems of response set and social
Values are not just random thoughts. They act as a personal compass. They guide how we judge others, how we justify our own choices, and how we present ourselves to the world. The Two Types of Values
Rokeach identifies two types of values:
Values are organized into organized hierarchies or value systems.
Rokeach argued that terminal values are more abstract and cognitively distant, while instrumental values are more concrete and behaviorally relevant. This hierarchical framework provides a nuanced understanding of how values influence our behavior and decision-making processes.