A Critique of Values: Clarification in Drug Education
1980 ◽
Vol 10
(2)
◽
pp. 119-125
◽
Keyword(s):
A Value
◽
Values clarification is today widely used in drug education programs in the United States. The premise is that decisions pertaining to whether to use drugs or to abstain are a direct function of a confused value system. The purpose of values clarification is to assist individuals both to structure and operationalize a value system which is personally satisfying and socially acceptable. In an attempt to raise questions regarding its efficacy to influence drug use, criticisms will be offered on the following areas: the role of content in valuing, the position of “ethical relativism,” the danger of indoctrination, and the social pressure to conform.