The value orientations of modern student youth

The paper presents the results of studying the value orientations of students aged 18-22 years on the basis of a qualitative methodology (writing an essay “Values in my life”). As a result of the data analysis and interpretation, the following hierarchy of respondents’ value orientations was established: the first place is firmly occupied by the parental family as a source of emotional and material support; the second place is given to the possibilities of self-development, self-realization, and independent choice of one’s own life path, as well as free will; the third place they place for communication with friends and like-minded people; the fourth place is given to their own health and the health of their parents or relatives, allowing them to implement plans for the future; the fifth and sixth places are shared by altruism, humanism, the willingness to help those who need it, and the value of life. Material values, education, and career are of secondary importance for the study participants. The obtained results can be used for the organization of educational work with students of higher educational institutions and the implementation of social programs at all levels.