family values
C1Formal, political, journalistic, sociological.
Definition
Meaning
The moral and ethical principles traditionally upheld and passed on within a family unit, often emphasising stability, fidelity, responsibility, and raising children in a specific moral framework.
A political or social catchphrase used to denote support for traditional social structures, often contrasting with perceived liberal or individualistic trends. Can refer to a specific set of conservative ideals regarding family life, gender roles, and child-rearing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a mass noun phrase. Highly ideologically loaded; its meaning is contested and varies significantly across the political spectrum. Often implies a contrast with alternative lifestyles or value systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more prevalent and politically charged in American English, often associated with the Christian right and Republican party politics. In British English, it is used but with slightly less intense partisan connotation, though still strongly associated with conservative politics.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term often carries conservative connotations. In the US, it is a central plank of 'culture war' discourse. In the UK, it may be used more in policy discussions (e.g., tax breaks for married couples) but retains a strong traditionalist flavour.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in political rhetoric and media commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to champion [POSSESSIVE] family valuesto be a defender of family valuesto vote for [candidate] because of [POSSESSIVE] stance on family valuesa policy centred on family valuesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A vote for family values (political slogan)”
- “The family values candidate”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in CSR contexts about supporting employees' family life.
Academic
Used in sociology, political science, and cultural studies, often in analysis of ideological discourse.
Everyday
Common in political discussions, newspaper editorials, and debates about society; less common in casual chat about one's own family.
Technical
Not a technical term; used descriptively.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The party leader vowed to family-value his policies, focusing on parental support.
- They are accused of family-valuing rhetoric without practical measures.
American English
- The candidate promised to family-value the nation's tax code.
- Some groups seek to family-value the educational curriculum.
adverb
British English
- He spoke family-values-ly about the need for stability.
- The bill was drafted family-values-ly.
American English
- The group campaigns family-values-ly across the state.
- He argued family-values-ly for the reform.
adjective
British English
- His family-values stance was central to his campaign.
- It was seen as a family-values policy announcement.
American English
- She is a well-known family-values advocate on the talk show circuit.
- The conference hosted several family-values organisations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many politicians talk about the importance of family values.
- Her parents taught her strong family values like honesty and helping each other.
- The debate often pits economic concerns against social issues like family values.
- Critics argue that his definition of family values excludes single-parent households.
- The party's platform is underpinned by a commitment to traditional family values, which informs its stance on marriage, education, and welfare.
- Commentators noted the stark contrast between the two candidates' rhetoric on family values, revealing a deep cultural fissure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a family crest or coat of arms (values) being passed down through generations.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A FAMILY (The nation's health depends on the moral health of its constituent family units). VALUES ARE AN INHERITANCE (Something passed from parents to children).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'семейные ценности'. While correct, it lacks the strong, specific political and ideological loading of the English term in Western discourse. The Russian phrase is more neutral, describing the positive moral principles of any given family.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a family value'). Treating it as a neutral, descriptive term rather than a politically loaded one. Using it to describe the personal values of one's own family without ideological intent.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'family values' MOST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While used positively by its advocates, it is often used critically or analytically by others to describe a specific, conservative ideological position. It can be perceived as exclusionary or judgmental towards non-traditional families.
It is possible but may sound oddly formal or political. Phrases like 'our family's values' or 'what we value as a family' are more natural for personal contexts.
'Family values' is a subset of 'moral values' specifically contextualised within and derived from the family unit as a social institution. 'Moral values' can have a broader, potentially individual or religious basis.
Because it has been adopted as a key slogan by conservative movements, particularly in the US, to contrast their vision of society with liberal or progressive alternatives. Its use immediately signals a specific ideological alignment.