Social values: what they are and characteristics

We tell you what social values ​​are, their characteristics and their relationship with society. In addition, we explain the difference between social, ethical and moral values.

Social values ​​guide the behaviors of people in society.

What are social values?

Social values ​​are a series of beliefs that define the nature and form of the social order in a collective (set of individuals)Some of the parameters used to define social values ​​are what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, what should be and what should not be, what is desirable for society and what is not, among others.

Social values, like ethical values, function as a model or example of behavior and fulfill their own role, since they guide the interactions and behaviors of people within society. Some of the values ​​that are repeated in different societies are dignity, respect, trust, solidarity, empathy and honesty.

All societies, depending on a specific time and place, put different values ​​into practice.. Asking about the behavior of these values, that is, if the values ​​change or if they have to always remain the same, is one of the tasks of ethics as a philosophical discipline, and also of morality, specifically as a field of practical study of ethics.

Frequent questions

What is a social value?

A social value is a normative belief that defines the nature and form of the social order.

What parameters are used to define social values?

The parameters used are what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, what should be and what should not be, what is desirable for society and what is not desirable.

What is the purpose of a social value?

A social value serves to act as a model in a given society, guiding the behavior of its members.

Values ​​and the social

The social and values ​​are closely related, since Values ​​are fundamental beliefs and principles that guide the interactions and behaviors of people within a societyValues ​​are fundamental to social cohesion, the formation of norms and the structuring of human relations.

Thus, the values They act as the basis that establishes the norms and rules that govern behavior of individuals in the social sphere: they help create a coherent social structure, necessary to build a collective and cultural identity. Shared values ​​are part of a community’s culture and help define who is part of it and what they consider important. Additionally, values ​​can influence how people view themselves in relation to other members of society.

The values ​​too participate in the alignment of social objectives and purposesA common set of values ​​can unite people and groups with similar goals and purposes. This can lead to the formation of social movements, charities, and other collaborative efforts to address social problems and work toward shared well-being.

Key points

  • The social and values ​​are interconnected in the formation of norms.
  • Values ​​help build cultural identity, social responsibility and social cohesion.
  • The interaction of people in society is influenced by the values ​​that are put into play in their daily actions.

Social, ethical and moral values

Social values, moral values ​​and ethical values ​​are interrelated concepts but with significant differences in their scope and application.

  • Social values. They are those that are considered important or desirable within a particular society or culture. These values ​​are rooted in the customs, traditions and norms shared by the members of that society. They can include aspects such as respect for authority, solidarity, equality, teamwork and social responsibility. These values ​​vary between different cultures and can influence the way people behave and relate in their social environment.
  • Moral values. They are fundamental principles that guide judgment about what is considered right or wrong from an ethical perspective. These values ​​focus on issues of human behavior and interaction with others. Moral values ​​are based on ideals of justice, honesty, empathy, altruism, and respect for the rights and dignity of others. They refer to principles that are generally considered universal and applicable to all people, regardless of their culture or society.
  • Ethical values. These are those that govern a person’s behavior and decisions in their personal and professional life, based on ethical standards and principles. These values ​​include integrity, responsibility, impartiality, and honesty. Ethical values ​​guide the way a person deals with moral dilemmas and makes ethical decisions in complex and challenging situations.

While social values They refer to the norms and customs shared within a society or culture., moral values ​​focus on universal principles of what is right and wrong. Ethical values, for their part, are related to the norms and principles that guide individual behavior and decisions from an ethical perspective. These three types of values ​​are intertwined in the formation of the behavior and morals of people within a society.

References

  • Aristotle (2011). Nicomachean Ethicsin Pallí, J. (trans.), Aristotle (RBA ed., volume 3), Gredos.
  • Kant, I. (1977). Critique of pure reason. Porrúa.
  • Kant, I. (2020). Critique of Practical Reason (Vol. 1). Editorial Verbum.
  • Bilbeny, N. (1992). How to think about moral values ​​based on Kant? Table: Thought Notebooks21-26.
  • Bergson, H. (1998). The two sources of morality and religion. Technicians.
  • Carrión, A. (2008). The sense of value, or the value in question. Universities10, 43-57.
  • Hoyos Valdés, D. (2015). Aesthetic value and moral value. Dissertations4, 1-10.

Follow with: