CLOSE-UP – Studies

Values of Hungarian Society at the Turn of the 2010s and 2020s

Published:
2026-06-30
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Copyright (c) 2026 Metszetek Társadalomtudományi Folyóirat

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Selected Style: APA
Dudik, B. (2026). Values of Hungarian Society at the Turn of the 2010s and 2020s. CROSS-SECTIONS Social Science Journal, 15(1), 46-71. https://doi.org/10.18392/metsz/2026/1/3
Abstract

This paper examines the value structure of Hungarian society at the turn of the 2010s and 2020s, based on data from the European Social Survey 9th and 10th waves, interpreted through the theoretical framework of Shalom H. Schwartz (2006, 2012). The analysis reveals that, at the aggregate level, collectivistic values with strong social focus according to Schwartz’s (2012) theory – particularly Security, Benevolence, and Universalism – occupy the highest positions in the Hungarian value hierarchy. At the same time, the relatively small differences between value means suggests the presence of value pluralism in society. To further investigate this phenomenon, cluster analysis was applied, identifying five value-based respondent groups: indecisive, open to self-transcendence, optimistic, collectivist, and anomic. It also suggests that Hungarian society is characterized by the coexistence of multiple value systems. Socio-demographic analysis shows that the value-based clusters differ significantly in terms of age, education, settlement type, and subjective financial status.