Date of Award

1972

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

College

College of Education and International Services

First Advisor

Conrad Reichert

Second Advisor

Wilfred Futcher

Third Advisor

Natelkka Burrell

Abstract

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study was to (1) discover if the value system of blacks is different from the value system of whites, and (2) to determine if social class is a significant influencing factor in the shaping of values.

Methods and Procedures

Many studies have been conducted in which the values of blacks and whites of both sexes in the lower, middle and upper classes were examined. Schuster (1968) conducted a study in which the values of blacks and whites of both sexes in the upper social class were examined. Lott and Lott (1963) examined the values of both races and sexes in the middle and lower social classes. Parrilla (1971) studied the values of blacks and whites of both sexes in the lower class. The present study, however, examined blacks and whites of both sexes and looked at all three social classes simultaneously. A total of 165 pupils in grades 5 and 6 were examined. Warner's criteria of social class were adhered to in deciding the social class of each pupil. A modified version of the Allport- Vemon-Lindzey Study of Values was used to assess the Aesthetic, Social, Political, Economic, Theoretical, and Religious values of the subjects.

Statistical Design

A 2 x 2 x 3 (3 way) analysis of variance without replications, as designed by Crow,, Davis, and Maxfield was used in the analysis of data in this study. Where significant interactions occurred, the t-test procedure was carried out on each level of interaction.

Limitations

There were sizable differences between many of the mean scores but the statistical design used made it less likely that statistical

Conclusion

The analyses of data in this study indicated that 1. Race appears to be a determiner of values in some cases, but in other cases it does not seem influential. 2. Social class does not appear to be a statistically significant determinant of values. 3. Sex appears to be a determinant of values in some cases but not an important factor in other cases. 4. It appears that the differences within the races and classes are greater than the differences between the races and classes. As far as values are concerned, there is a large area of homogeneity between the races, classes and sexes. Human beings are more alike than they are different!

Subject Area

Values; Social classes; Child development

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.32597/theses/162

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