Basic human values and sense of community as resource and responsibility

Abstract

AbstractThe study aimed at exploring the relationship between basic human values and sense of community (SOC). Specifically, it aimed at identifying which types of values exert an impact, whether these values are consistent with SOC as a resource and responsibility (SOC‐R), and whether the values‐SOC/SOC‐R relations change according to some community characteristics (i.e., stability and cohesion). The 1,334 participants in the survey were based in different local communities and completed a self‐report questionnaire containing measures of values, SOC, SOC‐R, perceived community cohesion, and stability. Results revealed a consistent pattern of values‐SOC/SOC‐R relations that support each of the respective theories and confirmed that SOC and SOC‐R are two separate constructs. Values sustaining SOC/SOC‐R (i.e., self‐transcendence and conservation) were also shown to increase SOC/SOC‐R when communities were perceived as low in stability and cohesion. Finally, the implications and limitations of the study are discussed.