Transgenerational transmission of values within the family

Abstract

The present article investigates trans-generational aspects of identification with and dissociation from values within the family of origin in biographical-narrative constructions of young adults. The paper specifically focuses on the dimensions autonomy and relatedness which can be considered basic human needs that are negotiated differently in diverse socio-cultural contexts. As part of a larger longitudinal study biographical-narrative interviews were conducted with 24 young adults and a typology of life stories developed. Two distinct developmental pathways shall in the following be illustrated by individual case descriptions. We discuss how the orientations expressed in these life stories can be understood as part of trans-generational transmission on the one hand, and as inseparably interwoven within the specific socio-historical and socio-cultural context in which they were produced. As a future step, we suggest to put these findings systematically in relation with the data of previous assessments of the study.