Based on the provided reference, modern values are understood as the motivations driving individuals to pursue their own success, seek dominance over others, and achieve personal gratification.
Understanding Modern Values
Drawing from the work of Maercker (2001; 2004), modern values represent a distinct shift from traditional value systems. While traditional values often prioritize collective well-being, social harmony through submissive self-restriction, and the preservation of established practices and stability, modern values place a strong emphasis on the individual.
Key Components of Modern Values
According to this perspective, the core motivations embodied by modern values include:
- Pursuit of Individual Success: A strong drive to achieve personal goals, whether they are related to career, wealth, or other forms of personal accomplishment.
- Dominance Over Others: A motivation that involves seeking a position of power, influence, or superiority in relation to other individuals or groups.
- Personal Gratification: The desire to satisfy one's own needs and desires, often focusing on immediate or personal pleasure and satisfaction.
These components highlight a focus on the self and individual achievement, sometimes at the expense of collective considerations or adherence to traditional norms.
Modern vs. Traditional Values: A Contrast
The reference explicitly contrasts modern values with traditional ones, illustrating the shift in motivational focus:
| Aspect | Traditional Values | Modern Values |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Collective, Group, Stability | Individual, Self |
| Key Motivations | Collectivism, Self-restriction, Preservation, Protection | Pursuing Own Success, Dominance Over Others, Gratification for Oneself |
| Emphasis | Harmony, Continuity, Social Order | Personal Achievement, Self-Interest, Individual Pleasure |
This table, based on the information from Maercker (2001; 2004), clearly shows the divergent paths these value systems represent. Modern values, in this context, are fundamentally about the individual's drive for personal advancement and satisfaction.
Practical Manifestations (Conceptual Examples)
In practice, subscribing to modern values as defined by this reference might manifest in various ways:
- An intense focus on career advancement, even if it requires significant personal sacrifice or competition with colleagues.
- A drive to accumulate wealth and material possessions as indicators of personal success and dominance.
- Prioritizing personal leisure and enjoyment above social obligations or community involvement.
- Seeking leadership roles or competitive environments where one can exert influence or achieve victory.
It's important to note that this definition zeroes in on specific individualistic and self-oriented motivations as the defining characteristics of modern values.
