50 Examples of Cultural Values

John Spacey, updated on September 25, 2023

Cultural values are shared beliefs about behavior, society and way of life that emerge with the history of a traditional culture such as a nation. These can potentially change but can also endure for many centuries whereby they represent the durable character of the culture. The following are illustrative examples of cultural values.

United States

The United States is known for individualism, friendliness, candor and pragmatism. The Constitution of the United States is often cited as encoding the values of American society.

Individualism	Freedom
Democracy	Equality before the law
Equal opportunity	Pursuit of happiness
Pragmatism	Religious freedom
Directness and candor	Entrepreneurship

Pragmatism is of American origin and is considered America's most significant contribution to philosophy.

Japan

The values of Japan are captured in a document known as the Nihon Shoki that has mythical origins but was probably published around 720 AD during the reign of Empress Jito. This is a copious document that includes the Japanese creation myth and values such as duty, obligation and the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within society.

Collectivism	Humility
Group harmony	Duty
Personal responsibility	Politeness
Respect for authority	Work ethic
Cultured living	Avoiding shame and maintaining honor

Germany

Germany has a strong national character known for efficiency and diligence. The nation also developed distinctive pacifist values in the post WWII era.

Democratic freedom	Pacifism
Honesty & direct communication	Rule of law
Efficiency	Orderliness
Thoroughness & reliability	Frugality
Respect for rules	Privacy & personal space

France

French cultural values can mostly be traced to the French Revolution such as the motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" (liberty, equality, fraternity). Generally speaking, the French value intellectual ideas, debate, culture and quality of life.

Liberty	Equality
Fraternity & community solidarity	Freedom of conscience
Respect for intellectualism	Importance of social safety nets
Importance of debate and discussion	National identity and cultural pride
Laughter, enjoyment and leisure	Value of beauty, style and cultured living

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have a culture that is strongly traditional that includes traditions of tolerance and multiculturalism. Its culture has a regimented feel including values of punctuality, resilience and control of emotions.

Liberty	Tolerance & multiculturalism
Importance of tradition	Politeness
Punctuality	Importance of humor & wit
Resilience in the face of adversity	Reserved behavior & control of emotions
Sense of class consciousness	Fair play & sportsmanship