Values as Predictors of Social Activist Behavior

Abstract

This study investigates values as correlates of social activist behavior. A stratified random sample of 75 black and white, Protestant and Catholic male clergy in mainline denominations in Boston and in the first ring of suburbs surrounding Boston were interviewed between July-December, 1975, during the midst of the major Boston school desegregation controversy. Respondents completed the terminal values section of the Rokeach Value Survey, and answered questions about the extent of their participation in activities to support the peaceful implementation of the school desegregation process. Zero-order correlations between social activism and specific values were computed for the clergy sample and compared to previous research with student populations. Partial correlations between social activism and specific values (controlling for the effects of intercorrelations among the values) reveal that "equality" and ':freedom" are the two values which are significantly (p < .05) and positively correlated with social activism. The findings are related to the Rokeach "two-value law of political activism, " with which these results are consistent.