Comparing Democrats and Republicans on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Values

Abstract

Although claimed differences in values have played a prominent role in recent U.S. politics, the value systems of typical Republicans and Democrats have not been evaluated within a relevant dimensional framework. In 4 studies, party members were compared on extrinsic (money, popularity, image) and intrinsic (intimacy, helping, growth) values. Republicans were consistently higher on extrinsic relative to intrinsic values, a pattern suggested by past research to be personally and socially problematic. In Study 4, Republicans were also lower in a different measure of prosocial values, derived from social‐dilemma research. All studies found an interaction such that only nonreligious Republicans were lower than Democrats on the intrinsic value of helping needy others. Implications for contemporary political discourse are discussed.

Americans Recommend Smaller Ecological Footprints When Reminded of Intrinsic American Values of Self-Expression, Family, and Generosity

“…Second, intrinsic values tend to be associated with higher levels of well-being than are extrinsic values (Kasser, 2002b); thus, intrinsically based communications have the potential to build up people's happiness and life satisfaction, which may counter the common belief that ecological sustainability requires sacrifice. Finally, intrinsic values seem to have a resonance that transcends political parties and preferences (Sheldon & Nichols, 2009); thus, intrinsically based communications may be a ''big-tent'' issue that can appeal to individuals of various political persuasions.…”

Delay Discounting of Different Commodities Varies as a Function of Political Party Affiliation in a College Sample

“…Given the results reported by Sheldon and Nichols (2009), this interpretation would appear to make sense for several of the commodities (i.e., $1,000, $100,000, & potentially retirement income). However, why Democrats would place less value on Federal legislation or their own medical treatment is not as clear.…”

“…This particular commodity incorporated both a material (i.e., money) and a personal aspect. Again, given Sheldon and Nichols (2009) results, one might predict that Democrats would display more discounting of this commodity than would Republicans because of the material aspect of the commodity. The fourth commodity was Federal Legislation.…”

“…At a psychological/behavioral level, research has demonstrated that members of the different political parties differ in the values they hold. Sheldon and Nichols (2009) reported that, across four studies, Republicans consistently scored higher in extrinsic values (e.g., money) than intrinsic values (e.g., helping) relative to their Democratic counterparts. In one of their studies, Sheldon and Nichols also reported that Democrats scored higher in prosocial values than did Republicans.…”

“…The first two were monetary amounts (i.e., $1,000 & $100,000). Given the results reported by Sheldon and Nichols (2009), it was predicted that Democrats would display more discounting of monetary amounts than would Republicans. Two different monetary amounts were included as a manipulations check.…”