Abstract (eng)
Value systems are known as stable constructs that infrequently change during adult life. Present research indicates that critical life events can disturb that stability and cause values to change. In the context of migration, these kinds of changes have been studied during the first years after migration. The present research is focusing on how values change after migration from Poland to Austria. The differences between polish migrants and Austrians/Poles, as well as the impact of the duration migrants lived in Austria on individual values are discussed. Additionally links between the values of polish migrants in Austria and integration were analysed.
Data were collected from Austrians, Poles and polish migrants in Austria. The Portrait Value Questionnaire-RR (PVQ-RR) was used to measure individual values. This questionnaire is based on the "refined theory of basic individual values" from Schwartz et al. (2012). Differences between groups, value changes over time, and the impact of the age of migration on values were studied.
Value differences were found between Austrians and Poles as well as Austrian and polish migrants. There were no significant value differences between Poles and Polish migrants. Small correlations were found between the values of polish migrants and the duration of their stay in Austria, as well as with the age of migration. There were some small and medium correlations between the values of polish migrants and integration.
Even though values are known to be stable, they seem to experience small dynamic changes. In some values, there were indications for a socialization process. The importance of security values seemed slightly increased whereas the importance of Power-Dominance seemed decreased. Younger migrants seemed to be more similar to Austrians in some values compared to older migrants. A higher importance of the Higher Order Value Openness to Change seemed to have a positive impact on integration. The Higher Order Value Conservation correlated negatively with the aspects of integration that refer to language.