Abstract
AbstractFarming communities are becoming more heterogeneous and multifunctional due to various structural and environmental changes. However, it is not known if farmers' values have also become more heterogeneous. We wanted to explore potential heterogeneity in farmers' value priorities in detail across different farmer groups in Finland using the refined Schwartz theory of 19 basic human values. A representative sample of 4,401 Finnish farmers responded to a survey in 2018. The data were analysed with multidimensional scaling, confirmatory factor analysis and one‐way analysis of variance. The results show that farmers' values were heterogeneous, and differences were associated with socio‐demographic characteristics. Our findings confirmed the motivational continuum structure of values, with the exception of societal‐value. Security‐societal was the most important value for the Finnish farmers. The theory of 19 values proved useful in uncovering value priorities in detail. The security‐societal value is more a part of national identity rather than a personal motivational value in the Finnish farming community. The heterogeneity of farmers' values should be considered in more targeted policy planning.
Highlights
Agriculture faces challenges related to changes in growing conditions, extreme weather and pest and disease outbreaks, which may severely damage agricultural production and become more severe due to climate change (Hakala, Hannukkala, Huusela-Veistola, Jalli, & Peltonen-Sainio, 2011; Olesen et al, 2012; Peltonen-Sainio, Hakala, & Jauhiainen, 2011; Rötter et al, 2011)
Based on the multidimensional scaling (MDS) results, HUM and face were included in conservation in the following confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which was used to test the structure of four higherorder values
The Schwartz refined theory of 19 basic human values and the circular continuum of values were confirmed by this representative survey of Finnish farmers, with one notable exception to the theoretical model, security-societal value
Summary
Agriculture faces challenges related to changes in growing conditions, extreme weather and pest and disease outbreaks, which may severely damage agricultural production and become more severe due to climate change (Hakala, Hannukkala, Huusela-Veistola, Jalli, & Peltonen-Sainio, 2011; Olesen et al, 2012; Peltonen-Sainio, Hakala, & Jauhiainen, 2011; Rötter et al, 2011). A Swiss study indicated that the most important higher-order value for farmers was conservation, followed by self-transcendence, self-enhancement and openness to change (Dobricki, 2011). Can the motivational structure of 19 values as presented in Schwartz's refined theory of basic human values be found among the Finnish farmers?. The value survey was conducted as part of a larger data inquiry concerning farmers' views on farming practices, climate change and the future of agriculture in Finland. The person mainly responsible for decision-making on the farm was instructed to answer the questions This resulted in 87% of respondents being male. Based on the MDS results, HUM and face were included in conservation in the following confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which was used to test the structure of four higherorder values.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
