Przemiany wartości w społeczeństwie zachodnioniemieckim (1966-1986)

Abstract

The paper deals with the changes of values in the society of West Germany. Empirical research into the values in West Germany does not have a long tradition. Their results, though not always coherent can be reduced to three main lines of development which follow the same direction, but lay emphasis of various aspects of axiological changes. The changes which are well underway are characterized as: firstly, creating new, so-called postmaterial values (postmaterialistische Werte); secondly, weakening of the middle-class system of values; thirdly, playing down the significance of the value of duty and estime in favour of selfrealization values. The changes of values were brought about in a few stages; up to the mid-60s the values of duty and estime (the period of a relative stability of social values) still dominated in all social and political milieue. From the mid-60s onwards to the mid-70s there was a reduction of the value of duty and estime underway along with the explosion of self-realization values (instability of traditional values and norms). From the mid-70s on there has been a specific inactivity underway in the changes of values, along with irrelevant ups and downs in both directions. One observes particularly clear changes of values in such domains of life as work, politics, family, religion and the sense of life.