This literature review examines Schwartz's theory of core values, including gender and age differences, the transmission of values across generations (parents and children), value similarity within families, and the relationship between values and volunteering. Among the various value theories, the study relies on Schwartz's model—originally consisting of ten and later expanded to nineteen core values— due to its broad applicability. These core values have been shown to predict human behavior, including participation in volunteer activities. This research argues that if an individual's volunteering is driven by relatively stable long-term motivations or if volunteering is considered at a societal level, core values may possess strong predictive power. However, it also demonstrates that Schwartz's core values (e.g., benevolence or universalism) do not consistently lead to volunteering, and that individuals who volunteer exhibit diverse value preferences. Clary's Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) motivational factors can be mapped onto several of Schwartz's core values, and motivations for volunteering are often value-ambivalent. Furthermore, the study shows that gender- and age-related variations in value preferences are reflected in the demographic characteristics associated with volunteering motivations. The study also explores the relationship between values, anxiety, and trust, highlighting that attitudes toward others may range from altruistic to competitive or self-protective. Thus, this dimension of value research can be meaningfully linked to the study of volunteering.

Keywords: values, generations, parent–child value transmission, value similarity, volunteering and values