Value orientations of Italian adolescents: empirical evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Little is known about the value orientations of adolescents in Italy. This paper presents a sociological analysis of Italian adolescents’ values. The study draws on a survey of 1,994 students from 44 Italian schools and applies Schwartz’s theory of basic human values. The analysis revealed the centrality of independence and the search for novelty (openness to change) among the adolescents in the sample and the low priority given to conservation. Gender appears to be crucial in understanding adolescents’ values. Significant differences emerged between male and female adolescents: female adolescents attributed more importance to hedonism, self-direction and stimulation than their male peers and less importance to self-achievement and power, in line with previous studies. Overall, the study found that Italian adolescents hold fragmented or even conflicting values, and hedonism and tradition emerged as their two most important values. Based on these findings, the paper discusses implications and provides suggestions for future research.