Basic values of the Belarusian society: function-oriented clusters and variability in value structures

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the study investigating the basic val¬ues of the Belarusian society using the method of function-oriented clusters of basic values developed by N. I. Lapin. The study describes values that ensure the general integration of the Belarusian society and mediate individual’s involve¬ment in society’s life-sustaining, power and socio-cultural structures. The au¬thors carried out an analysis of the levels of support for basic values according to their types — terminal (value as a goal) or instrumental (value as a tool) — as well as according to cultural typology (traditional, modern, universal values). To examine the variability of the value structure a comparative analysis of the basic values in different age groups was conducted. Basic values of youth sub-groups in different life cycle phases and with different believer’s identification were compared. This comparative anal¬ysis helped to describe the nature of the ties between the cultural environment, life cycle phases and value structure of social groups.