Authors

Discussion

The collapse of the Soviet Union has not only paved the way for political and economic transitions but also resulted in sociocultural transformations in former Soviet republics. Post-Soviet collectivist cultures are characterised by strong social conformity and resistance to institutional changes compared to individualist cultures. The absence of historical memory, or what Renan calls shared memory attached to a particular place challenges the adoption of new values and norms. Within this spatial and cultural context, external influences that lack such historical grounding are perceived as a threat to cultural authenticity. Contacts with Western countries have brought new realities to post-Soviet space as younger generations have been exposed to Western culture and values through various ways, such as media and education. This article examines how post-independence societal changes have led to shifts in beliefs, values and attitudes, using exploratory sequential mixed methods research approach. The study aims to test the application of Alessandro Cavalli’s three-dimensional model of age, generation and time-period effect and Ronald Inglehart’s value change theory to shed light on generational value change within the context of Azerbaijan. The analysis reveals considerable differences in value orientations across Soviet and post-Soviet generations. The younger generation has demonstrated both openness and resistance to change by taking a selective approach to adopting some Western values.