Gender Differences in Value Orientations and Social Beliefs among Kazakhstani Youth.

We examined the beliefs and values endorsed by Kazakhstani youth in a survey (N = 159) of post-secondary students, ages 18 to 25. Data was collected from two universities in Kazakhstan, one located in Almaty and the other in Karaganda. Respondents were mostly Muslim (n = 133, 92.4%) and women (n = 105, 65.4%). Results indicate that benevolence care, benevolence dependability, and face were highly endorsed values while power distance and power resources were the lowest endorsed values. Reward for application was the highest endorsed belief while fate control was the least endorsed. While most values and beliefs were equally endorsed by both males and females, gender differences were detected in endorsements of social beliefs and values with respect to social cynicism, conformity, concern, tolerance, and care. The results of the study will be presented and discussed within the socio-cultural characteristics of Kazakhstan and implication of the findings will be considered.