The spelling of the phrase "values party" reflects its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈvæl.juz ˈpɑː.ti/. The word "values" is spelled with a "v" and the combination of "al" and "u" represents the /æl.ju/ sound. The word "party" is spelled with a "p" and "a" is pronounced as /ɑː/. The Values Party was a political party in New Zealand in the 1970s that focused on environmental and social issues. Its name accurately reflects its mission and priorities.
A values party refers to a political group or party that places a strong emphasis on promoting and upholding specific moral, ethical, or cultural principles in their policy agenda. The term "values" generally encompass a broad range of social, religious, and philosophical beliefs that are considered fundamental and essential to a society's well-being. A values party, therefore, strives to shape public discourse and policy-making around their core beliefs and principles.
Members of a values party often advocate for policies that align with their moral code, which may include but are not limited to issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, religious freedom, environmental stewardship, or economic justice. The central objective of a values party is to bring about social, economic, and political change that is consistent with their set of values. They may also prioritize the preservation and restoration of traditional institutions and cultural practices.
A values party can be rooted in a particular religious faith, such as a Christian values party, or it can be non-religious but focused on secular ethical principles. The formation of a values party typically emerges from a perceived need to counter what its supporters consider as a decline in societal values or a threat to their cherished cultural norms. By rallying individuals who share these values, the party aims to exert political influence and advance their agenda in order to shape society according to their moral compass.
The term "values party" is a compound phrase made up of the words "values" and "party". The etymology of the word "values" can be traced back to the Latin word "valere" which means "to be strong" or "to be worth". In English, the word "values" emerged in the 16th century and refers to principles or standards that are considered important or desirable.
The word "party" has its origins in the Latin word "partis" which means "part" or "share". Over time, it evolved to refer to a group of people united by a common interest or goal. The usage of "party" to describe a political organization or a group of individuals involved in politics dates back to the 17th century.
The term "values party" itself does not have a specific and distinct etymology since it is a combination of these two commonly used words.