Emancipative Values in a Post-Communist Society: The Case of Serbia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the changes in emancipative values in Serbia in the period from 1996 to 2006 and to identify their main predictors and correlates. Emancipative values are described as an essence of the universal human quest for freedom and a life free from domination. They comprise an emphasis on autonomy, choice, equality and voice. The data were collected during three waves of the World Values Survey conducted in Serbia in 1996 (N = 1280), 2001 (N = 1200) and 2006 (N = 1220). The results showed a significant increase in the acceptance of emancipative values in Serbia during a relatively short time span. Younger, more educated and well-off citizens were especially prone to emancipative values. Emancipative values were significantly correlated with measures of social tolerance, political activism and support for democracy. The results are discussed in terms of theoretical underpinnings of the observed value change and its socio-political implications for democratizing society as well as in the light of the proposed models of emancipative value growth.