The value of socially extrinsic vs. intrinsic outcomes: An exploration of Americans from 1974 to 1994

Stimulated by a recent exchange theory of value (Emerson, 1987; Stolte, 199 8), the research reported here used archived data from the National Opinion Research Center's General Social Survey (GSS)[1] to examine 1974-1994 tren ds in the value placed by Americans on socially "extrinsic" vs. "intrinsic" outcomes of exchange. The data show an increase in the value placed on soc ially extrinsic outcomes (specifically income) and a decrease in the value placed on socially intrinsic outcomes (specifically those mediated by marri age, kin contact, neighborly interaction, fraternal and church group member ship). These trends mise questions about a possible imbalance in the pursui t of extrinsic over intrinsic outcomes, and possible deleterious social psy chological consequences. While the present results are exploratory and high ly provisional, they strongly encourage further research aimed at answering these questions.