comparative value priorities of chinese and new zealand

China
Generation
ID
Age in 2004
Social
Reform
Era
30
and
under
Physical Ageing
Events NZ
Generation
ID
Age in
2004
Deng Xiaoping’s policies from 1978 to Generation
the present encouraged individual Y
achievement, materialism, economic 30
efficiency, and entrepreneurship; foreign and
direct investment policy led to Western under
capitalistic ideologies having more
influence in Chinese business and
education; rapid industrialization and
modernization has resulted in
unprecedented economic growth and
prosperity (Tian, 1998; Yao, 2000).
Confucianism is now back in official
favour, however, Chinese youth who
have grown up during the Social Reform
Era have been described as
individualistic, materialistic, hedonistic,
and entrepreneurial (Rosen, 1990).
131
Events
Expansion of Internet, easy
global access to large
volumes of data and
information. Still
economically well off with
Baby Boomer grandparents
and expanding global
economy.
Strength, energy, cognitive speed, memory, and sharpness of the senses decline with
age. The onset and speed of decline vary greatly across individuals, but the decline
rarely reverses. Hence, with increasing age, Security values may be more important
because a safe, predictable environment is more critical as capacities to cope with
change wane. Stimulation values may be less important because novelty and risk are
more threatening. Conformity and tradition values may also be more important with age
because established ways of doing things are less demanding and threatening. In
contrast, Hedonism values may be less important because dulling of the senses reduces
the capacity to enjoy sensual pleasure. Achievement and, perhaps, Power values may
also be less important for older people who are less able to perform demanding tasks
successfully and to obtain social approval.