Individualism versus Collectivism

The role of the individual versus the role of the group. Extreme Individualism vs. extreme collectivism, can be seen as opposite ends of a continuum that describes how people define themselves and their relationships with others.

Individualism pertains to societies in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after him- or herself and his or her immediate family.

In a highly individualistic culture, members are able to make choices based on personal preference with little regard for others, except for close family or significant relationships. They can pursue their own wants and needs free from concerns about meeting social expectations.

Collectivism pertains to societies in which people from birth onward are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, which throughout people’s lifetime continue to protect them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty.

In a highly collectivistic culture, it is the role of individuals to fulfil their place in the overall social order. Personal wants and needs are secondary to the needs of the society at large. There is immense pressure to adhere to social norms, and those who fail to conform risk social isolation, disconnection from family, and perhaps some form of banishment.

The vast majority of people in our world live in societies in which the interest of the group prevails over the interest of the individual.