[lbo-talk] Decline in pro social orientation

[Wojtek S]

Three studies examined generational differences in life goals, concern
for others, and civic orientation
among American high school seniors (Monitoring the Future; N 

463,753, 1976–2008) and entering
college students (The American Freshman; N 
 8.7 million, 1966–2009).
Compared to Baby Boomers
(born 1946–1961) at the same age, GenX’ers (born 1962–1981) and
Millennials (born after 1982)
considered goals related to extrinsic values (money, image, fame) more
important and those related to
intrinsic values (self-acceptance, affiliation, community) less
important. Concern for others (e.g., empathy
for outgroups, charity donations, the importance of having a job
worthwhile to society) declined
slightly. Community service rose but was also increasingly required
for high school graduation over the
same time period. Civic orientation (e.g., interest in social
problems, political participation, trust in
government, taking action to help the environment and save energy)
declined an average of d 
 .34,
with about half the decline occurring between GenX and the
Millennials. Some of the largest declines
appeared in taking action to help the environment. In most cases,
Millennials slowed, though did not
reverse, trends toward reduced community feeling begun by GenX. The
results generally support the
“Generation Me” view of generational differences rather than the
“Generation We” or no change views.

Twenge, J. M., Campbell, W. K., & Freeman, E. C. (2012, March 5).
Generational Differences
in Young Adults' Life Goals, Concern for Others, and Civic
Orientation, 1966–2009. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology. Advance online publication. doi:
10.1037/a0027408

-- 
Wojtek
http://wsokol.blogspot.com/