Parents’ Educational Level and Adolescent Value Orientations

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the parents’ educational level and adolescent value orientations, and analyses value differences among adolescents based on the school type. The study involved 437 vocational and grammar school students (194 male or 44.4%; 243 female or 55.6%). The study included mid and late adolescents, with the participants’ age ranging from 14 to 19 (M=2.32, SD= 1.16). A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic and self-direction questions, and conformity value orientation questions was implemented in the study. The theoretical analysis outlined the research findings related to adolescent values and parental class (education and occupation). The results demonstrated a significant relationship between the mother’s educational level and grammar students’ self-direction. A significant relationship was not found between the parents’ educational level and vocational/grammar students’ degree of conformity. Significant value differences based on the school type were established as vocational students ascribed higher importance to conformity values as opposed to grammar school students. These results suggested that future research could examine the reasons behind vocational students’ inclination towards conformity. Moreover, future studies should turn to parents-child rearing values and teacher’s values, in order to provide a deeper understanding of the value transmission during schooling.