Social values reflected in popular sayings among motorists in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to describe social values reflected in popular sayings among motorists in Nigeria. A total of one thousand, six hundred and fifty-one (1,654) inscriptions which are popular sayings printed on commercial vehicles in the six geo-political zones in Nigeria were analyzed for their value contents using value content analysis. The findings showed that a total of forty-nine (49) individual values types were extracted from the inscriptions. These individual value types were further articulated with a critical comparison with the Schwartz’ social value scale. Religion (36.5%), appreciation (5.3%), cautiousness (5.4%), hard work (3.1%), patience (3.0%), achievement (2.6%), love (2.5%), individuality (2.5%), truth (2.4%) predominated the values expressed by motorists in Nigeria. However, there were differences in the values expressed by motorists in the various geo-political zones. The findings were discussed in terms of the significance of religion and social stability in Nigeria.