What are values?

We explain what a value is and what are the values ​​that people have. In addition, what they are for, and what are the types of values.

1. What are values?

Values ​​are specific qualities that subjects confer upon objects or subjects . And it is through them that we can give importance or not to these objects, but it also includes seces or events.

The values ​​are based on the attribution and the perception that the subjects have about the outside world in which they carry out their activity which allow an order according to the degree of importance.

2. What are the values ​​for?

Values serve as an interpretive guide in the evolution of everyday life . Being primarily a subjective issue, we can say that affirming that the values ​​are universal would be the less conflictive. However, we find that they are generally characterized in this way.

The reality is that the values are historical , that is, that their origin is related to a specific social and cultural context which directly influences their conception and formation.

In this way, we can point out that in societies they have different values ​​on what are the ways of acting, behavior, morals, coexistence , etc.

At the same time as this difference occurs, there is an opposite process that tends towards the unification and universalization of certain values. Examples of this are the values ​​on peace , solidarity , tolerance , etc.

The truth is that there is a contradiction that clashes mainly when opposing positions touch on sensitive issues such as abortion, euthanasia, political or armed intervention and other issues where the values ​​that are pursued meet other cultural limitations that hold different values.

3. Types of values

Beyond this question, it is useful to classify the different values ​​according to specific criteria in:

• Personal values : They are those that are indispensable and from which people are guided in their daily lives. Many times they come from the direct experience that people have and accumulate.
• Socio-cultural values : They are the general canons that work and are part of the culture of a given society. Beyond the general or hegemonic hard core of society, which can coincide with personal values ​​or specific social groups, they are constantly rubbing or juxtaposing with other values. It should be taken into account that a variety of multiple values ​​coexist in a given society and historical moment.
• Material values : they are deposited on the objects and goods that make the human being can subsist. For example what is necessary for food or protection.
• Spiritual values : Those referring to the activity that human beings perform, are based on immaterial aspects. And they understand the importance we give to the activities we do and value as artistic or religious expression.
• Moral values : These are the behaviors that a certain society accepts and understands that they are essential to maintain the social order. These fall socially on each individual citizen , tacitly and practically demanding their acceptance. And in many cases society provides penalties for those who violate them through judicial, criminal, etc.