Key Concepts

Values &
Attitudes
Year 10 English
Learning Objectives
Provide a definition of Explain how values and

1. the terms 'values' and

'attitudes'
3. attitudes are connected
to one another

Describe the difference Explain how texts can

2. 4.
between personal both challenge or
values and social or reinforce values or
cultural values. attitudes
Introduction
When we read imaginative, interpretive or persuasive texts in
English class, we might be asked to identify the values and
attitudes presented.

Although they are separate concepts, they are frequently

discussed together because they share a close relationship and
are linked to perspective. They are not fixed but can vary
between individuals and groups and they can also change over
time.

In texts, values and attitudes can be revealed through text

structures, conventions and language features. They might be
related to the perspective of the author, a character, a group of
people or an individual.
 Values
Values are the principals or ideals we
hold as important, good, desirable, or
worthwhile.

They are our basic and fundamental beliefs

that are closely linked to our identity and
they guide or motivate our attitudes and
behaviours. Values are usually stated as a
word or short phrase and are usually
positive.
 Examples of Values
acceptance/belonging adventure awareness/knowledge responsibility
beauty compassion courage wealth
conformity diversity duty work ethic
education environment faith/religion talent
fairness family freedom of speech tradition
friendship generosity humanity tolerance
independence individuality integrity/honesty simplicity
justice kindness leadership skill (any)
life love loyalty/trust strength (physical)
mercy nurturing ownership/possession safety
peace power respect self-discipline
Shared Values
If you were asked to place all the values from the previous slide
onto a hierarchy from the ones you value most at the top to the
ones you value least at the bottom you would notice that a lot of
us place the same few at the top e.g. family, friendship, safety,
belonging.

These are what we might call dominant values. They are the
views and beliefs that are widely shared among the majority of a
society or group.

Some of these might be related to our specific society or our

culture. E.g. Australian values such as freedom, egalitarianism or
the outdoors. Societal and cultural values can be so normalised
or naturalised that we accept them without question.
Personal Values
But then again, there might be values that some of us place at the
top of our hierarchy and others place at the bottom - that is, they
are held in high regards by some members of society but not by
others e.g. money, beauty, success. We can refer to these as
personal values.

Personal values are those that shape and influence our own lives
and they might sometimes challenge dominant cultural or societal
values or attitudes.

Our unique perspective and personal context (e.g. age, gender, life
experiences) inform these. They might also shift or change
throughout our lives due to different circumstances.
Attitudes
An attitude is a way of thinking or feeling
towards something.

It might be a stance regarding a situation,

idea, character, event or issue. Our attitudes
are shaped by our values. Attitudes can be
expressed through our thoughts, actions
and behaviours.
Stating Attitudes
Attitudes are usually stated as a sentence that describes a feeling towards a particular
thing. We can do this in two different ways.

The first way is in adjective form. You still must state the topic or issue afterwards.
E.g. A _______________ attitude towards ____________________.
E.g. A supportive attitude towards multiculturalism.

The second way is as a viewpoint or stance.

E.g. ________________ reinforces the attitude that ___________________________.
E.g. The author conveys the attitude that animals should not be kept in cages.

The first way is preferred as students are less likely to confuse attitudes with opinions.
Examples of Attitudes
Supportive attitude Critical attitude Disapproving attitude Self-righteous attitude

Cautious attitude Hostile attitude Smug attitude Courageous attitude

Menacing attitude Determined attitude Domineering Attitude Rebellious attitude

Accepting attitude Homophobic attitude Dismissive Attitude Irresponsible attitude

Ignorant attitude Permissive attitude Reckless attitude Considerate attitude

Approving attitude Sexist attitude Prejudiced attitude Careless attitude

Optimistic attitude Pessimistic attitude Condescending attitude Manipulative attitude

Colonial attitude Racist attitude Submissive attitude Responsible attitude

Hypocritical attitude Authoritative attitude Humble attitude Fearful attitude

Shared Attitudes
In the same way that values can be personal, social or cultural, our attitudes
may not always be exclusive to us but can be shared by others or associated
with particular groups.

We can refer to attitudes as dominant if they are naturalised within a

partiuclar culture or society.
Close Concepts
As stated previously, values and attitudes are separate concepts but
are frequently discussed together because they are closely
connected. Values underpin attitudes, providing the foundation upon
which attitudes are formed.

E.g. The value of education might underpin a dedicated and

committed attitude towards studying for exams.
E.g. The value of diversity might underpin an approving attitude
towards fashion shows that include models of different sizes and
body types.
E.g. A supportive attitude towards integrating refugees into
society reflects the values of compassion and humanity.
E.g. The attitude that people should be held accountable for their
wrongdoings reflects the underlying value of justice.
Challenge vs. Reinforce
Values and attitudes might be challenged or reinforced by a text.

E.g. A women's magazine article that focuses on the issue of parents who quit full time
work in favour of less hours so they can spend more time with their families might:
reinforce the value of family
challenge the value of money
present an approving attitude towards parents who prioritise their family over
work

E.g. An environmental activism website that focuses on the issue of the government
clearing a national forest to make way for a new resort might:
reinforce the value of environmentalism
challenge the values of progress or tourism
present a critical attitude towards the government for destroying nature
Your Turn
Values and attitudes are important concepts
within the English course that you will need
to understand as part of the process of
analysing texts.

Now, let's apply what we have learnt by

demonstrating our knowledge of personal,
societal and cultural values and attitudes
and recognising the ways in which they are
presented in texts.

Good luck!
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