Examples Of Collectivism And Individualism

Human being are rational creatures, meaning that we think about our actions before committing them. We feed off of exploration and success, and strive to share our newfound knowledge with others, leading to different interpretations. This ultimately creates a structure in which societies can apply themselves called cultures. Some cultures have a way of life that focuses on self-worth and fulfillment called individualism, while others adhere to the belief that family honor and nobility reign supreme, a way of thinking known as collectivism. However, it is when these two customs intertwine with each other, forming a completely different culture all together, that one of the most baffling questions in modern psychology challenges the limits of the human understanding. How has collectivism and individualism lent themselves to the development of both world and local cultures? In Western societies, individualism influences nearly every aspect of life. Luke Mastin defines individualism as the “…moral, political, or social outlook that stresses human independence and the …show more content…
The United States is the best example of what can happen when individualism and collectivism are combined under one society. “The United States has one of the most demographically diverse populations in the world…” (Culture). North America was originally dominated by Native American tribes, but this all changed after the expansion of European influences in the region. Today, the country consists of many different races and ethnicities from around the world and has a culture that continues to enrich itself as wave after wave of immigrants cross the country’s borders, bringing with them the ideals and customs of their native lands such as food, clothing, art, and music. This has created a culture that values not only group success, but also personal expression and