Americans have a set of values that govern their social structures; they define who they are and what country they live in. The set of core values that governs American vary from researcher to researcher. According to (John 2005) there are several core values that America is built on. They include:
Individualism: Americans believe that each and every person is unique and special and should be given independence to achieve his or her limits. He or she should also be given freedom of expression.
Equality: Americans believe in an open society which treats everyone equally and provides equal opportunities for its entire citizen. The value targets to eliminate social hierarchies and foster direct interaction between different people.
Science and technology are major factors of progress in the American history. Americans value technology as a major source of goods and also as a factor of change.
Materialism is another factor that is highly valued in America where individuals are judged by the material wealth they possess.
Progress and change are other major values that display optimism among the American society.
Work and leisure are considered key in the American culture. The country is built on strong work ethics with idleness being considered as a threat to the society progress. Leisure on the other side is the reward for hard work.
Competition is another key value in the America where everyone wants to be the first. This value has fostered a lot of innovations and development
Mobility: Americans value constant movements either for leisure or work purpose.
Volunteerism: the belief in helping other has seen American produce to the world the biggest number of philanthropist.
Action and result oriented: Americans emphasize on giving priority to practical ways of getting things done.
Despite all the above values being critical to Americans, I would emphasize on family, honesty and environment consciousness. Lack of emphasizing on these values would lead to losing Americans’ moral fiber which a critical component in the growth of the next generation.
America is represented by the different symbols including, the bald eagle, Liberty Bell, the flag of the USA, the Statue of Liberty and the Uncle Sam. These symbols have different significance not necessarily material, but there is a strong link to value for independence.
Despite the many achievements, Americans lag in various areas such as school calendars which take up to 9 months and are free during the summer. This system was designed to make it possible for students to be at home during farming to help out. The Americans see the use of stem cell especially those of Festus as being unethical despite the technology being important in curing many diseases (Potera, 2008). Much of the lagging seen in the United States is also experienced in other westernized countries basically as a result of shared religion.
References
Macionis, John J. (2005). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, Sociology. 10th ed. p. 66.
Potera, C. (2008). U.S. Health Care Lags in Every Area but Cost. AJN, American Journal Of Nursing, 108(2), 20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.naj.0000310322.40185.56
