Age and gender differences in the value development of Dutch adults in 11 years of longitudinal data

Abstract

Value development over the life-span is rarely studied due to theory and data limitations. We use the LISS data, a Dutch longitudinal dataset, to study value change in adults aged 25–70 over 11 years from 2008 to 2019 (N=10,860), using the neo- socioanalyitcal model (NSM) as a theoretical framework. We find few cohort differences, differences between age groups and non-linear value change within individuals that continues until late adulthood. Gender differences in mean-levels are stable except in universalism and self-direction, while gender differences in rates of change are observed. We conclude that the NSM provides a fruitful framework to interpret value change as a maturation process toward becoming functioning members of society along gendered and age-graded normative stages.