Values and self-esteem in three generations of men and women

Similarities and differences in values within families across three generations were examined. The relationship between values and self-esteem was also investigated. Sixty inter-generational triads (30M;30F) rated 14 values on a semantic-differential scale. The hypotheses of generational similarities in long-term, central (in Rokeach's terms, terminal) values and of generational differences in short term, specific (Rokeach's instrumental) values were generally supported. However, the hypothesized interactions of self-esteem and generation with values were only minimally supported by these data. There were no generational differences in the terminal values Equality, An Exciting Life, Freedom, and A Sense of Accomplishment. The oldest generation rated the instrumental values Ambition, Capability, Independence, and Intelligence higher than did the other generations. In addition, they rated the more work-oriented values of Education, Money, Success and Work highest. These findings are discussed as possible cohort rather than as age effects. Women rated Ambition, Education, and Intelligence more highly than men.