A MOSAIC OF VALUES: THE TRANSFORMATION OF YOUTH ORIENTATIONS IN THE SOCIOCULTURAL DYNAMICS OF KAZAKHSTA N

Abstract

Employing an interdisciplinary framework, this investigation analyzes how post-Soviet sociocultural shifts in Kazakhstan are redefining youth value orientations. By juxtaposing results from the 2018 World Values Survey with data gathered in a dedicated 2024 youth survey, the study traces emerging priorities, compares them with nationwide trends, and probes the forces driving these transformations. The methodology, combining philosophical hermeneutics with sociological analysis, provides a robust comparative perspective and empirically rich foundation. Key findings reveal a nuanced mosaic of values: rising individualism, self-realization, and pragmatic life priorities (such as financial security and career mobility) are accompanied by a sustained emphasis on family. Young people report higher life satisfaction than older cohorts yet exhibit religious individualization (personalized faith and high tolerance rather than institutional religiosity) and pervasive mistrust of state institutions. Notably, youth demonstrate increased civic activism, evident in rising volunteerism and participation in peaceful protests. These findings underscore the study’s originality and practical relevance, offering a solid evidence base for shaping youth policy. To facilitate the full social, economic, and political integration of Kazakhstan’s rising generation, policymakers should capitalize on youth optimism and activism, broaden institutional
pathways for meaningful participation, and recalibrate educational and cultural programs to reflect shifting value orientations.