Concept of
Values:
The word “value’ is derived from the
latin root “Valere” meaning “to be strong and vigorous” To be a value, is to
have a certain value, that is the power to be some specific thing. It is the
value of a thing or an idea that makes us desirable or useful to us and that
can give rise to an urgent demand for or interest in something that we regard
as having great value. People can love only what is dear to them (i.e. of very
high value) and only what is felt to be of high value can give rise to the
energy and motivate for possession.
Life is a matter of choices. In human life
there are certain things looked upon as admirable, honorable, to be approved of
and there are other things which entertain and please us but we may view them
as not admirable, not honorable and not to be approved of.
The concept of values is presented
by Bethel from various angles.[1]
a
Value connotes a subject-object relationship; value relates
the object to man.
b
Value i.e. utility, is imparted to raw materials only by
labour and skills.
c
An important aspect of value creation for Malinowski was the
development of a harmonious balance between individual and social values. It is
a responsibility of each individual, as a creator of value, to work for gain in
such a way as to contribute to the welfare of both - himself and his society.
d
Value means the total amount of force with which an object
(material or spiritual) causes a subject to attain it’s purpose as the means to
an end.
Definitions
of Values :
What is a value? Value is one by
which men live, for which, they are willing to sacrifice comforts, facilities
and even lives to preserve their values. Describing the dominant
characteristics of the Raghu KulTulsi Das writes -
“Raghu
Kula Rita Sadaa Chali - aaie
Pran Jaay
Par Vachan na Jaai”
This is the highest value according
to Indian Philosophy.
International Encyclopaedia of
Social Sciences (1968) defines values as “a set of principles whereby a conduct
is directed and regulated as a guide for individual or social groups”[3]
Values as defined by Good[4]
(1959, p. 636) are “any characteristic deemed important because of
psychological, social moral and aesthetic considerations.”
Mrs. SarojBagheeyaawaalle has done a
thorough research on The Cultural Values of Adolescents in 1991. She has nicely
shown how values change and control the environment.[5]
[1]Malinowski
- The Value Creator - Bethel, Dayle, M., Wather Hill, New York, 1973, pp. 50-56
[2]MulyaShikshan
(Marathi) - Dr. Suresh Karandikar, PhadkePrakashan, Kolhapur,1997, pg 16
[3]International
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences - David L. Sills, MacMillan, New York, 1968.
[4] Good 1959
[5]The
Cultural Values of Adolescents - Mrs. SarojBagheeayavalle, ShaheedPrakashan,
Udaipur,1991, pp. 17-21