Final answer:
Studies by Shalom Schwartz have found that universal values shared across cultures include community well-being, mutual respect, and the importance of social ties. Despite cultural differences, common values emphasize social harmony and collective responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to studies in dozens of countries by Shalom Schwartz and colleagues, it has been found that most cultures share certain universal values, despite evident variations and complexities in value systems. For instance, most cultures value the well-being of the community and the importance of maintaining harmony within social groups. It is also generally thought that cultures uphold beliefs around mutual respect and the treatment of others with dignity, as well as the significance of family and social ties.
While specific values may differ greatly—such as attitudes towards physical expressions of friendship or the balance between individuality and collectivism—the core idea is that all cultures have underlying principles that emphasize the cohesiveness of communal life and the importance of relationships. Additionally, values like fairness, collective responsibility, and caring for the disadvantaged are commonly recognized across different societies. These findings demonstrate that despite cultural diversity, there are certain shared human values that transcend global boundaries, suggesting deep-rooted psychological tendencies among humans to align with group values and practices.