Author Description

Product Description Although values play a leading role in nearly every explanatory theory in the broad realm of the social and behavioral sciences, very little multidisciplinary research material on values is available. Addressing this need, the editors bring together distinguished social scientists, psychologists, and biologists who collaboratively explore fundamental questions about values: What are the determinants of social values, taboos, and ideologies? What are the determinants of individual values? What is the nature of motivations and rewards? Is there an evolutionary basis for the development of values? Review “The Origin of Values is a stimulating collection.” —Robert E. Lane, Contemporary Sociology “The book succeeds in making its case that a multidisciplinary science of values is an important and neglected field of investigation. It would make an excellent basis for a seminar for advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students. Anyone interested in the topic will get a good basic introduction here.” —Peter J. Richerson, The Quarterly Review of Biology About the Author Michael Hechter is professor of sociology at the University of Arizona. He is currently serving as visiting professor at the University of Washington, and before that was a Fellow of New College at Oxford University. He is the author of Principles of Group Solidarity, and editor of The Microfoundations of Macrosociology and Social Institutions.