Human values of colombian people. Evidence for the functionalist theory of values

Résumé 0

The objective of this research work has been to get to know the axiological orientation of Colombians, and gather empirical evidence regarding the suitability of the functionalist theory of values in Colombia, testing its content and structure hypothesis and the psychometric properties of its measurement (Basic Values Questionnaire BVQ). The BVQ evaluates sexuality, success, social support, knowledge, emotion, power, affection, religiosity, health, pleasure, prestige, obedience, personal stability, belonging, beauty, tradition, survival, and maturity. Two hundred and thirty people participated (112 men and 118 women) whose average age was 28.7 years old, from 50 cities and towns of Colombia. They answered the BVQ and demographic questions. The results gave support to the content hypothesis (six valorative sub-functions: excitement, promotion, existence, suprapersonal, interactive and normative) and to structure (the values represented in two dimensions: orientation type and motivation type). Verifying previous research, it was found that Colombians presented a value orientation which was more social than personal, and more idealistic (humanist) than materialistic. The main values were success, maturity and affection. The least important were power, tradition, beauty and emotion. In conclusion, there is an initial evidence of the suitability about the functionalist theory of values in this culture, although it is advisable to conduct new studies, even thinking in an emic measurement of the values in this country.