Values & Attitudes Key Concept

Learning Objectives

1.

Provide a definition of the terms 'values' and 'attitudes'

3.

Explain how values and attitudes are connected to one another

2.

Describe the difference between personal values and social or cultural values.

4.

Explain how texts can both challenge or reinforce values or attitudes

Introduction

When we read imaginative, interpretive or persuasive texts in English class, we might be asked to identify the values and attitudes presented.

Although they are separate concepts, they are frequently discussed together because they share a close relationship and are linked to perspective. They are not fixed but can vary between individuals and groups and they can also change over time.

In texts, values and attitudes can be revealed through text structures, conventions and language features. They might be related to the perspective of the author, a character, a group of people or an individual.

Values

Values are the principals or ideals we hold as important, good, desirable, or worthwhile.

They are our basic and fundamental beliefs that are closely linked to our identity and they guide or motivate our attitudes and behaviours. Values are usually stated as a word or short phrase and are usually positive.

Examples of Values

acceptance/belonging adventure awareness/knowledge responsibility

beauty compassion courage wealth

conformity diversity duty work ethic

education environment

faith/religion talent

fairness family freedom of speech tradition

friendship generosity humanity tolerance

independence individuality integrity/honesty simplicity

justice kindness leadership skill (any)

life love loyalty/trust strength (physical)

mercy nurturing ownership/possession safety

peace power respect self-discipline

Shared Values

If you were asked to place all the values from the previous slide onto a hierarchy from the ones you value most at the top to the ones you value least at the bottom you would notice that a lot of us place the same few at the top e.g. family, friendship, safety, belonging.

These are what we might call dominant values. They are the views and beliefs that are widely shared among the majority of a society or group.

Some of these might be related to our specific society or our culture. E.g. Australian values such as freedom, egalitarianism or the outdoors. Societal and cultural values can be so normalised or naturalised that we accept them without question.

Personal Values

But then again, there might be values that some of us place at the top of our hierarchy and others place at the bottom - that is, they are held in high regards by some members of society but not by others e.g. money, beauty, success. We can refer to these as personal values.

Personal values are those that shape and influence our own lives and they might sometimes challenge dominant cultural or societal values or attitudes.

Our unique perspective and personal context (e.g. age, gender, life experiences) inform these. They might also shift or change throughout our lives due to different circumstances.

Attitudes

An attitude is a way of thinking or feeling towards something.

It might be a stance regarding a situation, idea, character, event or issue. Our attitudes are shaped by our values. Attitudes can be expressed through our thoughts, actions and behaviours.

Stating Attitudes

Attitudes are usually stated as a sentence that describes a feeling towards a particular thing. We can do this in two different ways.

The first way is in adjective form. You still must state the topic or issue afterwards.

E.g. A _______________ attitude towards ____________________.

E.g. A supportive attitude towards multiculturalism.

The second way is as a viewpoint or stance.

E.g. ________________ reinforces the attitude that ___________________________.

E.g. The author conveys the attitude that animals should not be kept in cages.

The first way is preferred as students are less likely to confuse attitudes with opinions.

Examples of Attitudes

Supportive attitude Critical attitude

Cautious attitude

Hostile attitude

Menacing attitude Determined attitude

Accepting attitude Homophobic attitude

Ignorant attitude Permissive attitude

Approving attitude Sexist attitude

Optimistic attitude

Colonial attitude

Hypocritical attitude

Pessimistic attitude

Racist attitude

Disapproving attitude

Smug attitude

Domineering Attitude

Dismissive Attitude

Reckless attitude

Self-righteous attitude

Courageous attitude

Rebellious attitude

Irresponsible attitude

Considerate attitude

Prejudiced attitude

Condescending attitude

Submissive attitude

Careless attitude

Manipulative attitude

Responsible attitude

Authoritative attitude

Humble attitude

Fearful attitude

Shared Attitudes

In the same way that values can be personal, social or cultural, our attitudes may not always be exclusive to us but can be shared by others or associated with particular groups.

We can refer to attitudes as dominant if they are naturalised within a partiuclar culture or society.

Close Concepts

As stated previously, values and attitudes are separate concepts but are frequently discussed together because they are closely connected. Values underpin attitudes, providing the foundation upon which attitudes are formed.

E.g. The value of education might underpin a dedicated and committed attitude towards studying for exams.

E.g. The value of diversity might underpin an approving attitude towards fashion shows that include models of different sizes and body types.

E.g. A supportive attitude towards integrating refugees into society reflects the values of compassion and humanity.

E.g. The attitude that people should be held accountable for their wrongdoings reflects the underlying value of justice.

Challenge vs. Reinforce

Values and attitudes might be challenged or reinforced by a text.

E.g. A women's magazine article that focuses on the issue of parents who quit full time work in favour of less hours so they can spend more time with their families might:

reinforce the value of family challenge the value of money

present an approving attitude towards parents who prioritise their family over work

E.g. An environmental activism website that focuses on the issue of the government clearing a national forest to make way for a new resort might:

reinforce the value of environmentalism

challenge the values of progress or tourism present a critical attitude towards the government for destroying nature

Your Turn

Values and attitudes are important concepts within the English course that you will need to understand as part of the process of analysing texts.

I hope this will help you to understand better.

Good luck!