Value Orientations of Modern Kazakhstanis

Abstract

Background & Objective: Values are a good indicator for tracking social and individual changes due to historical, social and personal events. Therefore, it is important to explore the values of modern Kazakhstanis and determine the dialectical relationship of integrity, stability, and dynamics in the invariance of the system of value orientations during socio-economic, political, religious, aesthetic, and cultural-historical changes in post-Soviet society. Comprehending the problem of transformation and transmission of values will allow us to consider the underlying psychological processes influencing the formation of personal values. This research aimed to study the value orientations of modern Kazakhstanis of the post-Soviet period in the context of gender and age factors. Methods: The study involved 305 respondents, of which 192 were women and 113 were men, while the age of 202 respondents ranged from 18 to 25 years, and that of 103 respondents ranged from 50 to 65 years. For the study of value orientations, the “Modified Questionnaire of Values” (PVQ-R) by S. Schwartz was used. Results: In the system of value orientations of Kazakhstanis, an internal conflict can be traced between personal and social focus, and between self-determination and self-affirmation. Two generations are differentiated by the following values: the value of Achievement, Social complexity, and Control of fate. The two sexes are differentiated by values such as Social cynicism, Control of fate, Stimulation, Personal Security, Modesty, Universalism-Tolerance, Benevolence-Care and Benevolence-Sense of duty. Conclusion: Despite the late deep transformations of Kazakhstani society, the value orientations of modern Kazakhstanis tend to preserve the basic value component, which is a mechanism of transferring the stable elements of the value system of a highly collective culture from generation to generation. The value orientations of Kazakhstani people of both young and older generations are realized through mechanisms of growth and development, and self-defense.