Final answer:
Core values are influenced by a variety of factors including religious faith, family, personal philosophy, cultural and societal norms. They guide life decisions and social interactions. Value theory helps individuals explore and question these values to make purposeful life choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Core values stem from a variety of sources such as religious faith, family, personal philosophy, cultural influences, and societal norms. These values are crucial because they influence how individuals live their lives, relate to others, and make personal and moral decisions. For example, someone who prioritizes the value of understanding racial injustice may be drawn to read books like Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, reflecting a personal value placed on combating racism and promoting a just society.
The importance of certain values, like the valuation of water, can be influenced by factors including one's family background, community, culture, geographical location, and the economy. An individual from an agricultural community, where water is vital for livelihood, will likely hold a higher value for water conservation than someone from an urban entertainment district.
Additionally, values are at the core of a culture, helping to define what is considered good and just within a society. These values translate into beliefs and convictions, such as the American Dream that embodies the value placed on wealth and success in American culture. Religion also plays a significant role in shaping one's values, as it offers a framework for ethical living and personal belief systems that can differ based on gender, age, and generation within a family.
The origin of values can sometimes be attributed to a divine source like God, or internally from a person's unique life experiences and knowledge. Value theory serves as a tool to identify and question these personal and societal values, helping individuals make considered choices and define their understanding of well-being and justice.