Dominant American Values
Based on Robin M. Williams Jr., American Society: Sociological Interpretation (1960)
- Achievement and success-refers to our work ethic, competitive nature and drive for success, both personally and professionally.
- Activity and work- value busyness, speed, bustle and action in work or sports activities. A person’s worth is measured by his or her performance.
- Moral Right and Wrong- thinking in terms of good and bad, right and wrong. Leading an orderly life, having a reputation for honesty and fair dealing, avoiding reckless behavior.
- Humanitarianism-concern, helpfulness, personal kindliness, aid and comfort for others.
- Practicality and efficiency-refers to our attitude toward innovation, cost-effective problem solving and may contribute to our financial success.
- Progress-refers to our efforts to improve our society and incorporate the attitude that today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be even better.
- Material comfort-refers to pursuit of wealth and comfort.Each generation tries to improve its relative wealth and comfort.
- Equality-this refers to our perception of fairness and having the same rules for everyone.
- Freedom- we protect our right to be an individual and believe in the worth of the individual.
- Science-faith in science and its tools. Importance of data rather than emotions.
- Nationalism-a sense of loyalty to your country, its national symbols, and its history. Foreigners observe how we value our flag and our national anthem, how we believe that America is the greatest country in the world.
- Democracy-accepting majority rule and representation. We reject monarchies, aristocracies, and dictatorships. We accept law, equality, and freedom.
- Individualism-refers to favoring individual initiative over collective conformity.
Based on Robin M. Williams Jr., American Society: Sociological Interpretation (1960)