Intergenerational Transmission of Values: From Parent–Child Value Similarity to Parent–Child Value Continuity

Abstract

The process of value transmission between parents and children is unanimously considered the hallmark of successful socialization. The outcomes of value transmission have been often solely measured in terms of parent–child value similarity, thus assuming that the higher is the parent–child value similarity, the more successful is the value transmission. The present study highlighted the dialectical nature of the intergenerational transmission of values and aimed at developing a different perspective on this process by introducing the concept of value “continuity.” This term etymologically means “hang together” and entails a flow and a progression across generations. The study involved 325 Italian mother–adolescent dyads, who were asked to fill in a self-report questionnaire. Results showed the importance of considering children’s autonomous motivations in accepting or rejecting their parents’ values to find more comprehensive meanings of parent–child value similarities and differences. Implications of the findings and future research developments are discussed.