Clothing and Human Values: A Two-Dimensional Model for Measurement

Abstract

This paper describes a model, based on a human ecological perspective, for the study of human values and uses the model to organize clothing and human values research. We have developed a two-dimensional matrix based on focus and subject-object inclusion as a model to classify past values research and guide the conduct of future values research. We propose that values investigations may be grouped according to three foci: Content, Structure, and Process. Additionally, we identify three measurement approaches for valuation on the basis of subject-object inclusion: Subject-only, Subject-object reactive, and Subject-object interactive. Researchers could apply this model to many domains of interest, such as housing, family, work, or clothing. To illustrate its usefulness, we employed the matrix to classify clothing and human values research conducted from 1960-1992. Most research employed a content or structure focus within a subject-only or subject-object reactive approach. New frontiers for values research and measurement are proposed.