Collectivism and Individualism in Different Cultures

The theory of observing some segment of the society, rather than the personage, the fundamental component of social, economic, and political concern is what collectivism advocates for. Collectivism stipulates that the claims of the state, associates, groups, or families must supersede that of individuals. It demands that an individual must subscribe to the collective action for the common good of that group. It is a form of anthropomorphism that views a culture to be having a single identity analogous to a person.

A group is more important than an individual. Individualism can be viewed both as ethical-political and ethical-psychological thought. In the ethical – psychological model, individualism stipulates that every person should think and make an independent judgment while respecting nothing other than the sovereignty of her or his mind. In the ethical-political model, individualism assumes all the supremacy of the individual rights on a person. Collectives like a state or a group are not considered to be having any influence.

An assortment of cultures practice collectivism where they value social collections, and everyone should contribute for its good. France, Sub-Saharan African, Arab countries, Japan, China, and American Indians are some of the cultures that practice collectivism. Individualism is majorly practiced in the North American culture like the United States. It is possible for the two orientations to coexist in one culture at the same time. Some groups and associations allow for opinion expression and, at the same time, stipulating rules to maintain the group. Such groups allow individuals to attain their aspirations and, at the same time, their contribution aims at the common good of the association or the group.