Question- Define Social Values with example. What are the Determinants of Social Values?

Answer -

Definition of Social Values

Social values are a set of moral principles defined by society dynamics, institutions, traditions and cultural beliefs. These values are implicit guidelines that provide orientation to individuals and corporations to conduct themselves properly within a social system.

Social Value

The function of extension is to bring about desirable changes in the behaviour of people. The overt behaviour or what we call as action is based on attitude. Unlike action, attitude cannot be seen. They can only be inferred by way of tendency to act or react positively or negatively to some stimuli. These tendencies or attitudes in turn are based upon individual’s values.

Social values are ideas which help an individual to discriminate whether a particular object or behaviour is good or bad, desirable or undesirable. There are at times rules which govern the action which is known as “Norms”. People are expected to behave in accordance with the values held by the individual and in the expected behaviour which is known as “normative behaviour”. S.C. Dood defined the values as “desiderata” (i.e.,) anything desired or chosen by someone, sometime. In broad sense value may be considered as attitude-related attribute that are projected upon people, objects and situations. Since values, sometimes gives orientation or striving towards a given goal, it can be viewed as motives.

Socio-Psychological Determinants of Values

People will be eager to change and many times they accept changes, when changes give prestige to them and/or increase their socio-economic changes. Though change is common every individual will not accept changes. Only some individuals accept the changes. An analysis of factors that influences the changes were studied by Reddy (1987). They are caste of the individual, age, possession of land and type of tenure, wealth and economic position, hard work and physical stamina, personal characteristics like truthfulness, honesty, reliability etc. These factors have obvious implications in the introduction of improved practices.

Major Values Prevailing

1. Importance of described status : Status of individual in a group is decided by the group to which he belongs. There is an established order of hierarchy of castes in India society.

2. Recognition of inequality : Still exists on caste basis.

3. Patrilineal tendency : Eldest male member of the family has supreme power and tends to act automatically.

4. Status of women : Though there is tendency to give greater respect they are still inferior to men.

5. Charity : There is religious significance and approval for giving of aims. A person with a charitable disposition is respected.

6. Tendency of non-violence : Killing of animals except for the purpose of food is considered to be immoral. It sometimes brings conflict.

7. Respect to old age and elders : They are generally given respect and recognition.

8. Religious attitude : People in rural areas are religious.

Desired New Values

(1) Equal status to all.

(2) Modification in marriage norms : (education on intercaste marriage)

(3) Charitable disposition
(a) Donation irrespective of the eligibility of vagrants to be avoided and channelised to the needy and welfare institutions.

(4) Attitude to non-violence.

(5) Non violence is to be rationalized. Animal spoiling food crops should be prohibited.

(6) Respect for the elders and old and due consideration for the younger generation.

(7) Religion and technology : Along with faith in religion, people have to develop faith in science and technology.

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