Abstract: | This paper deals with the value aspects of the limits to growth problems. A holistic view of the concepts influencing people's lifestyles, including their social values, are presented. The materialistic, growth oriented lifestyles dominating the U.S. and other highly industrialized nations are analyzed, and the underlying needs and social values presented. Also alternative, less materialistic values are shown to indicate the direction of desirable value changes. How these changes could be accomplished is illustrated in the way a value set of an individual is created through socialization. The authors conclude that the early childhood plays an essential role in achieving the changes, but also that no one need sit back passively and just wait for changes to come along. |