VALUE SYSTEM AS THE FOUNDATION OF CULTURAL IDENTITY IN MODERN SOCIETY

Abstract

In the rapidly changing modern world influenced by globalization, technological progress, and social transformations, the issue of preserving cultural identity becomes particularly relevant. This article examines the key role of the value system in forming and maintaining the cultural identity of society, analyzing its constituent elements, contemporary challenges, and adaptation strategies. The value system represents a complex of fundamental principles, beliefs, and ideals that define the worldview, behavior, and life orientations of both individuals and entire communities. It includes moral and ethical norms, traditions, customs, religious beliefs, attitudes towards key aspects of life (family, work, education), and basic concepts of justice, freedom, and equality. This system is formed over centuries under the influence of historical experience, geographical conditions, economic factors, and cultural interactions. Cultural identity, in turn, is a set of characteristics that determine the belonging of an individual or group to a particular culture. It includes language, religion, traditions, art, and other elements that together create a unique cultural code. The value system acts as a kind of “skeleton” of cultural identity, providing it with structure and content. The article examines in detail the components of the value system and their influence on the formation of cultural identity. The article analyzes how these components interact and create a unique cultural profile of society. Special attention is paid to the challenges faced by traditional value systems in the modern globalized world: cultural globalization through the spread of global mass culture can lead to the erosion of local cultural features. Digital technologies and social networks are transforming ways of communication and community formation, affecting traditional values. The growing mobility of the population leads to the collision of different cultural systems within one society. Changes in economic models affect labor values and social structures. The article examines various strategies that societies use to adapt their value systems to new realities while preserving cultural identity. Selective adaptation as the integration of new elements that do not contradict core values, while preserving key traditional values. Cultural synthesis through the creation of new cultural forms that combine elements of different traditions. Conscious appeal to historical roots and restoration of forgotten cultural practices. Education and cultural policy: purposeful efforts by the state and civil society to preserve and promote national culture. Openness to intercultural exchange while maintaining one’s own identity. An important aspect emphasized in the article is the role of individual and collective reflection in the process of adapting the value system. The ability of society to critically comprehend its values, openly discuss their relevance, and find a balance between tradition and innovation is key to the healthy development of culture. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural diversity on a global scale. Unique value systems of different cultures are seen as a source of innovative ideas and approaches to solving global problems. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to develop intercultural dialogue and search for common values that could become the basis for global ethics and cooperation. In summary, the article argues that the value system remains the fundamental basis of cultural identity even in a rapidly changing world. The ability of societies to adapt their values while preserving their essence is key to cultural survival and development. Understanding the dynamics of these processes is critically important for politicians, educators, cultural figures, and all those interested in preserving the rich cultural heritage of humanity.