In this engaging discussion, Erika James, dean of the Wharton School, and Olivia Rodrigo, chart-topping singer-songwriter, join Shalom Schwartz, a psychology professor, and Thomas Talhelm from the University of Chicago. They explore where values originate, contemplating familial influences versus societal expectations. The group also dives into how music conveys deep personal values, and why brands, like McDonald’s, sometimes stray from customer preferences. Their insights reveal the complex interplay between upbringing, culture, and evolving societal standards.
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Quick takeaways
Values are shaped by familial upbringing and societal influences, often reflecting a balance between self-interest and communal welfare.
The stability of values can be influenced by personal experiences and economic conditions, allowing for adaptation while maintaining core principles.
Deep dives
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Understanding Values
The discussion centers around the concept of values, which are defined as aspirational goals that shape individual behavior. Core values are often seen as a reflection of one's true self but can be misaligned with actions, leading to skepticism about their authenticity. An example highlighted was a company that defined its values as tacos, encompassing principles like transparency and being customer-obsessed, while also considering the natural fit of individuals with these values during the hiring process. This approach emphasizes the need for companies to genuinely embody their stated values to avoid hypocrisy.
The Framework of Universal Values
Shalom Schwartz's research identifies ten universal values shared across cultures, which are organized into four families. This categorization includes values that prioritize self-direction and stimulation as well as those focused on conservation and conformity. The conversation draws comparisons between individual and cultural values, discussing how familial upbringing and social environments shape these perspectives over time. Examples like hedonism and benevolence illustrate how values can span personal ambition and societal responsibility, reflecting a complex interplay between self-interest and communal welfare.
The Stability and Evolution of Values
While values are generally stable over time, they also show some level of variability influenced by life experiences and societal changes. The conversation mentions how economic conditions can sway societal values toward either conservatism or openness, and how personal values may shift based on life stages or new insights. The importance of acknowledging that values can evolve is discussed, alongside the notion that individuals could maintain a consistent core while adapting their approach to match changing circumstances. Real-life examples demonstrate how personal experiences, such as family dynamics and cultural influences, play a critical role in the development and prioritization of values.
Do you get your principles from your parents — or in spite of them? Is there anything wrong with valuing conformity? And why doesn’t McDonald’s sell salads?
SOURCES:
Erika James, dean of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Short Schwartz’s Value Survey, from "Measuring values with the Short Schwartz's Value Survey," by Marjaana Lindeman and Markku Verkasalo (Journal of Personality Assessment, 2005).