In sociology, how are values typically defined?

Values in sociology are understood as collective principles that guide behavior within a society. They represent the shared beliefs and ideals that are important to members of a community, influencing how individuals interact with one another and shaping the social norms that govern behavior. Values help establish what is considered acceptable or unacceptable within a group and can encompass concepts such as justice, equality, freedom, and respect.

By serving as a foundation for social norms, values help maintain social order and cohesion, as they create a sense of belonging and identity among individuals. The collective nature of values implies that they are not solely based on personal preferences but are reflections of the broader cultural context in which people live.

Other choices can be misinterpreted when defining values. Personal beliefs, while significant at an individual level, are not representative of the broader societal framework that values represent. The notion of random preferences does not accurately capture the intentionality and collective agreement inherent in societal values. Lastly, the idea of unchanging norms overlooks the dynamic and evolving nature of cultural values across different societies and over time, as they are subject to change through social interactions, historical events, and cultural exchange.