Difference Between Individualism Vs Collectivism

Throughout the course of world history, humans have tried to find meaning by creating languages, inventing religions, and attaining classical educations. Individualism is essentially an ideology asserting that the individual must think of his person as an end in itself and not as a means to the ends of others or something else that is placed above him. For example, an absolute individualist does not accept that the goal of his life is the good of society. One’s first goal is one’s own good and happiness (Lukes 1973). The polar opposite of this is collectivism. Usually associated with Eastern cultures, collectivism will always put the needs of the group above the needs of any single member. Collectivism is far more concerned with equality than freedom (also referred to as autonomy). Research is now suggesting individualism versus collectivism is a false dichotomy (Oyserman, Coon, & Kemmelmeier 2002). This is the premise of social individualism. …show more content…
This is not to say that all American citizens have plunged into the reading of philosophy books to choose from multiple idealologies to adhere to individualism as a theory. Individualistic behavior is not a choice of life, much less a maturely thought-out philosophical position that guides the behavior of fellow citizens through moral and general guidelines. It is too easy to confuse individualism with egoism. The latter is a natural behavior universally widespread but will take various forms according to the cultural context of each individual (Smit 2016). Communitarian, familial, and individualistic senses of self-interest are all activated in the same way. However, how they are expressed is variable (Smit 2016). Today, each according to his or her own knowledge and experience will forge their vision of this amazing country and are inclined to keep their worldview constant over a long period of time (Bellah et al.,