WORKING GROUP 4 – Contextual and Individual Factors that Trigger Value Change

WG4 examines how contextual dynamics and individual life experiences interact to trigger value change across Europe. Building on the foundations of the other Work Groups, WG4 develops a comprehensive theoretical framework that engages with different theoretical fields, such as modernization theories, institutional approaches, and life-course perspectives. The group analyses how factors such as political polarization, economic inequality, crises, media environments, and digital technologies intersect with age, education, identity, and life events to accelerate or mitigate shifts in values.

Through a coordinated review of existing literature (D1), WG4 identifies key gaps in current theories on value change, with particular attention to polarization, social cohesion, and universalism in Europe. It develops an integrated conceptual framework and typology of value changes linked to specific contextual and individual triggers, translating these insights into a policy paper with recommendations to strengthen cohesion within EU countries (D2), as well as a peer-reviewed scientific publication (D3). The group currently brings together over 100 members from Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Linguistics, Communication, Theology, Philosophy, History, Political Science, and many more fields, ensuring a strongly interdisciplinary perspective.