A Meta-analysis of Basic Human Values in Brazil: Observed differences within the country

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis to test differences in basic human values within Brazil, as measured by Schwartz Values Scale (Schwartz, 1992). We conducted a literature review of relevant research published between 1994 through 2012. A total of 19 reports, including 52 samples, met the selection criteria. The studies included samples from all five Brazilian geopolitical regions (N = 14.0%; NE = 28.0%; CW = 24.0%; SE = 24.0%; and S = 10.0%), with a total of 8,994 respondents (college students: 11.5%, professionals: 88.5%). An ANOVA weighted by sample size was carried out for each of the 10 motivational types. Results suggested systematic value differences across the five regions of Brazil. Respondents from the Northeast and Southern regions showed a higher endorsement of Conservation values when compared to respondents from the Center-West region. Also, respondents from the Southern region showed a higher endorsement of the values of Stimulation and Universalism when compared to respondents from the Center-West region of Brazil. We use an eco-cultural approach to interpret these differences in terms of the socialization processes prevalent in each region, including their history of immigration and colonization.