Value Orientations of Young Students (Ages 18-23) in Kazakhstan: Findings from an Urban University Sample

Khamzina Z. Buribayev Y. Buribayeva A.
2025 Pro Global Science Association

Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research
2025 #30 Issue 2 91 - 105 pp.

We analyze value orientations among urban university students (ages 18-23) in Kazakhstan using a cross-sectional survey (n = 600) and 20 semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face on university premises in Almaty and Astana (Oct-Nov 2024). The questionnaire adapts WVS-7 items via double translation and piloting; interviews were transcribed and thematically coded. Scope is limited to students in two cities. Results. At the individual level, students prioritize self-enhancement: 64% name financial stability as a key goal and 81% emphasize career advancement; leisure/time autonomy is important to 83%. Health is widely valued (65% monitor it, though 33% report no systematic approach). At the social level, family remains central (e.g., 97% prioritize relatives health/safety; 96% intra-family relations; 95% family prosperity; 91% intergenerational ties), while wider non-family circles are thinner. Institutionally, ideals of transparency/fairness are endorsed, but confidence is cautious: 25% trust those in power; 29.8% report trusting no public sources at all. Civically, respondents support lawful avenues (authorized rallies) and community responsibility, yet engagement is selective (34% express interest in socio-political life; 29% report volunteering). Environmental concern is affirmed in principle, but salience is uneven: 23.4% do not believe climate change is real. Contribution. The value profile blends enduring family-centered norms with pragmatic individualism and critical-loyal views of institutions. Findings inform higher-education policy and student support (civic-engagement infrastructure, career transition and financial-literacy services, environmental literacy), rather than nationwide youth policy. Limitations include urban student focus and cross-sectional design; we outline longitudinal and comparative extensions..

civic attitudes , institutional trust , Kazakhstan , university students , value orientations , WVS-aligned measures , young students

Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan
Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov, Kazakhstan
Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov
Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026