Australians are united in their desire for a world that is peaceful and where people are honest with one another. These are the values most strongly affirmed in a study of Australian identity and values from the Australian Community Survey (ACS), a joint project of NCLS Research and Edith Cowan University.

"The values of egalitarianism and mateship have often been the focus of commentary on the Australian way of life. They continue to be among the most cherished of Australian values," commented Dr Philip Hughes, a senior researcher with the Australian Community Survey project. "True friendship is deeply valued, as is 'a fair go', the equality of opportunity for all people. Most Australians place considerable stock on social justice, although there are many interpretations as to what this means."

Politeness and freedom are values that contribute to the sort of social world in which people want to live rather than having to do with what people wish to personally achieve. Protecting the natural environment is also a widespread value. (See Figure 1 for all values).

When asked what they live for, the vast majority of Australians (84%) indicate they live for their spouses, children and other family members.

Figure 1: Guiding Principles for Life among Australian Adults

Four values orientations

Beyond these values of peace and honesty, family and friends, equality and social justice, this study was able to identify four different values orientations. (See Figure 2)

"If you want to understand how Australians think and act, you need to understand their value orientations," suggested Dr Hughes. "We find that value orientations relate to a wide range of attitudes and behaviours, such as voting behaviour, involvement in voluntary activities, as well as in attitudes to such issues as injustice in society and family structure.

Most people affirm a wide range of values, however particular people draw more heavily on certain sets of values than others. The four different value orientations found by the study include:
· Order - in national, social and personal life
· Social well-being - through an emphasis on equality and freedom, tolerance and wisdom, social justice and environmental care
· Spirituality - as distinct from an emphasis on material matters, and generally involving religious faith
· Self-enhancement - through seeking enjoyment in life, excitement, success, wealth and social recognition.

People with a values orientation focussed on order were found particularly among men and women who were retired and located in lower socio-economic and rural settings.

The focus on the enhancement of social well-being was over-represented among women born since the 1960s. Many of the people with this value orientation work in people-oriented occupations or care for families. They were more likely to be located in high urban socio-economic contexts.

A spiritual values orientation was held by more women than men throughout all stages of life. Again, this value orientation was highly represented among those working in people-oriented occupations and focussed on family concerns.

Self-enhancement tended to be the values orientation of younger males in production or business oriented occupations. Many of these people had not reached the family stage of life and many were located in lower socio-economic and rural settings.

"Those who highly value the spiritual orientation to life scored their satisfaction with life higher than did those with other value orientations," noted Dr Hughes.

Factors that impact on values

There is a range of influences on the values people hold. A person's stage in life can make a difference, with young, single people more likely to be centred on themselves. Family life brings with it commitments to others which focus people more on the social values. The sort of work and the ways in which people learn to measure success and failure in their work may also have an impact.

Historical changes in Australian culture could impact the values of different generations. People who grew up in the years of the depression and World War II value tend to value order in social and personal life. People who find themselves more vulnerable, perhaps marginalised by poor health, financial insecurity, a lack of formal education or by the frailty of old age are more likely to affirm the need for order and security.

Schools, friends, and social groups will have a continuing impact on the values people hold. Patterns of child-rearing and parental values are likely to have lasting consequences.

This information comes from the newly released book, Exploring what Australians Value ($10), a joint publication of NCLS Research and Christian Research Association. Copies are available from the NCLS Research office - info@ncls.org.au, (02) 8267 4394.

Figure 2: Major Values Orientations