The Hierarchy of Value Orientations in Kazakhstan as the Basis of National Mentality

Abstract

The development of Kazakhstani society is presently at the stage where the life values held by the population are witnessing a transformation. Due to socio-economic difficulties, the importance of prestige and wealth is increasingly emphasized in the social value system. Against this background, the state has assumed the task of promoting a system of value orientation that reinforces national priorities: independence, social harmony, and patriotism. In this study, an analytical review of the literature revealed that the value orientation of individual ethnic and social groups is a vital strategic objective, as ideological orientations play a large role in the development of the ethnic identity of a nation. According to Yadov, values are system elements reflecting different levels in the structure of the social behavior of the individual. Within the system of reference points is a constant process of interaction and alignment of values. We consider it timely to recall in this context, the expression “Happiness is when a person is happy to go to work in the morning and happy to return in the evening.”

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2641