A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC VALUES IN SOCIETY

Public values are foundational to the functioning and integrity of any society. They encompass shared norms, moral standards, and principles that collectively guide individual behaviour and shape institutional frameworks. Rooted in cultural traditions, historical experiences, and social interactions, public values form the moral compass of communities and nations. This research delves into the sociological dimensions of public values, examining their origin, evolution, and relevance in contemporary Indian society. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes content analysis of media, educational texts, and policy documents, alongside semi-structured interviews with individuals from diverse social backgrounds. The analysis highlights how key social institutions namely family, education, religion, and media play crucial roles in shaping and transmitting public values across generations. The study further explores the influence of globalization, digital communication, and increased socio-political awareness in reshaping traditional value systems. Participants reported both the persistence of long-held values, such as respect, responsibility, and communal harmony, and the emergence of modern ideals, including individual autonomy, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. These developments indicate an ongoing negotiation between continuity and change, influenced by factors such as urbanization, migration, and technological integration. The findings reveal that public values are not static; rather, they are fluid, contested, and context-dependent, varying according to socio-economic status, age, and cultural exposure. By offering a nuanced understanding of how values are formed, challenged, and transformed, this study contributes to the broader sociological discourse on morality, identity, and social change in pluralistic societies like India.