Current Value Orientations of American Indians in Northern California

Abstract

To determine the extent to which the Hupa have retained traditional values, 21 Hupa men and women (ages 18-70) were administered the Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck (1961) questionnaire on four value orientations: activity, relational, time, and man-nature. Results were compared with traditional Hupa value orientations inferred from the literature. Current orientations indicated significant preferences for (1) expression of oneself through accomplishment rather than self-actualization, (2) primacy of individual goals and group welfare over lineal concerns, (3) focus on the present rather than the past, and (4) mastery over nature rather than harmony with nature. The most visible change from earlier value orientations was found in time, which shifted from traditional emphasis on future to present. The inconsistency of responses to time items further indicated a struggle to maintain the uniqueness of their cultural identity without forfeiture of their identity as participants in the mainstream culture. It was concluded that maintenance of these dual identity systems depends on a continuing commitment of the Hupa to a collateral orientation.