Hierarchy of values in Argentine adults: Differences according to gender and age range.

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the prioritization of values in adults from the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to gender and stage of adulthood. Method: 790 adults between 18 and 65 years old were evaluated using non-probabilistic sampling. Results: The total results showed a priority for the terminal values of happiness, harmony, and freedom, and for the instrumental values of love, joy, and honesty. Significant differences were found regarding gender and age. Individuals identifying as female prioritized the terminal values of equality and world peace, and the instrumental values of love, help, compassion, and understanding. On the other hand, those identifying as male highlighted the terminal values of pleasure, comfortable and interesting life, and the instrumental values of capability, imagination, intellectuality, logic, and responsibility. Regarding age, early adults prioritized the terminal values of happiness and social transformation, and the instrumental value of understanding. Middle-aged adults differentiated in favor of the instrumental values of imagination and cleanliness. Finally, late adults preferred the terminal values of beauty, knowledge, and religion, and the instrumental values of honesty, industriousness, logic, and responsibility. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the ongoing research project on beliefs, values, and pro-environmental behaviors, and to future research and practical applications in social psychology and environmental education.