Values are collective conceptions of what are considered good, desirable, and proper-or bad, undesirable , and improper-in culture. They indicate what people in a given culture prefer, as they what they find important and morally right or wrong.

          Values may be specific, such as honoring one’s parents and owning a home, or they may be more general, such as health, love and democracy. Values influence people’s behavior and serve as criteria for evaluating the actions of others. There is often a direct relationship between the values, norms, and sanctions of a culture. For example, if a culture highly values the institution of marriage, it may have norms (and strict sanctions) which prohibit the act of adultery. If a culture views private property as a basic value, it will probably have laws against theft and vandalism.

          The values of a culture may change, but must remain relatively stable, during any one person’s lifetime. Socially shared intensely felt values are fundamental part of our lives. 

By: Donna May S. Baltazar | T-I | Orani National High School (Annex)