Value internalization

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Under Wertinternalisierung is understood in sociology the acquisition and internalization of values that are passed on from generation to generation. This transfer does not take place unfiltered, but depending on other conditions and factors that influence whether values ​​are correctly passed on or whether a change in values takes place between the generations. Value internalization in the family is determined by the following factors:

  • upbringing concepts represented by parents
  • Characteristics of the child ( temperament , gender, previous experience with disciplines, etc.)
  • the stage of development the child is in
  • the emotional warmth of the parent-child relationship
  • the child's perception of the parental message and the acceptance or rejection of it
  • the relationship quality of the parents etc.

Clear, unambiguous, coherent and empathic reasoning that is tailored to the child has a particularly good effect on value internalization.

The exercise of power is behavior that has negative consequences for the child, i. H. physical and psychological violence (disapproval, humiliation, etc.). Light exercise of power such as For example, speaking in a raised voice can signal importance to the child and generate his or her attention ; stronger exercise of power impairs the internalization of values ​​and prevents a fear-free and harmonious relationship between parent and child. Withdrawal of love also has devastating effects on the child's psyche , as it is suggested to him that it has made the parents unhappy and that it can only make up for this through good behavior.

There seems to be a sensitive phase for value internalization. Very young children do not yet have a pronounced ability to derive, understand implicit messages and the perspective of another person is only possible from the age of eight, so the value is only assumed when the child has reached the necessary degree of maturity. However, if the child exceeds a certain age in the adolescent phase and gains autonomy , it becomes less sensitive to the transfer of values.

The emotional behavior towards the child is particularly decisive for the effectiveness of the attempts at discipline. Parents who are warm and receptive to his needs and wants have great influence.

The internalization process comprises two steps: the perception of the parental message, which is influenced by its clarity and the age and cognitive level of the child, and the acceptance or rejection of this message in the second step. If the parents' message is correctly perceived and accepted, the value internalization takes place.

Warmth, protection and a fear-free parent-child relationship have a positive effect on acceptance, but not on correct perception. Messages are most likely to be accepted when the child perceives them as appropriate and just, is motivated and sees the value as self-generated.

See also: changing values , education

literature

  • Grusec, JE (1997). A history of research on parenting strategies and children's internalization of values. In: JE Grusec u. L. Kuszynski (Ed.): Parenting and children's internalization of values: A handbook of contemporary theory. (Pp. 3-22). New York: Wiley.
  • Grusec, JE and Goodnow, JJ (1994). The impact of parental discipline methods on the child's internalization of values: A reconceptualization of current points of view. Developmental Psychology , April 30, 1919.
  • Schönpflug, U. (2001). Intergenerational transmission of values: The role of transmission belts. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology , 32, 174-185.