Family and social values in Europe and Malta

Abstract

Comparative studies of values in the nineties posit an uneven process of individualisation in Europe (van den Akker, Halman and deMoor 1993). Although countries in western Europe tend to converge on basic value systems, they do diverge on particular issues. Generally, Europeans are found to be primarily concerned with the intimate and private aspects of their lives and they are relatively indifferent to events which take place in the public domain. lndividualisation is often related to modernisation and to the ethos of the welfare state. The division of labour, the pluralisation of world views, emancipation, democratisation and self-determination are closely linked with individualisation. In the process, values are no longer under the exclusive influence of institutional religion, they are based on personal choice. The leading principles for individual actions become self-development and personal happiness, often referred to as the ethic of fulfilment. lndividualisation is most evident in primary relationships. [excerpt]