ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the value systems of various occupational categories; the systems are identified by applying the rule of generating preferential group ranking and by analysis of individual cases. It shows that value systems are differentiated depending on occupational category. The concept of value system includes numerous sets of values difficult to account for in a single sociological research project. The chapter focuses on four values: happy family life, educational achievement, high income, and altruistic social action. The ranking of the four values that most accurately characterizes the entire sample turns out to be the one typical for professionals in nontechnical fields, managers, technicians, non-manual workers, and students. Educational achievement is regarded as a value equal in importance to high income and altruistic social action. The hypothesis that the traditional values of the intelligentsia influence value systems in Poland appears to receive specific substantiation for professionals in nontechnical and technical fields.
