Constitution of Personal Values: From Value-Taking to Value-Making

• In Event: 160 - Section on Social Psychology Paper Session. Interconnections: Social Psychology and Cultural Sociology

Abstract

The looking-glass self theory explains the origin of personal values in terms of the internalization of social norms, but this explanation only begs the question: where do social norms come from? Instead of treating individuals as passive “value-takers,” this paper seeks to develop an argument that regards individuals as both “value-takers” and “value-makers.” Individuals are mostly value-takers in the early years of their lives, internalizing the attitudes of significant and generalized others through socialization; however, they gradually become active value-makers as they grow up and assume more responsibility for self and others; eventually, they become value-givers, contributing to the construction and transformation of social norms. The origin of personal values must therefore be examined in the context of the biographical experience of the individuals as they deal with the encountered physical and social environment.

Author

• Shanyang Zhao, Temple University