Difference Between Individualism And Collectivism

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Individualism and Collectivism, two basic ways of understanding relationships among individuals, figure importantly in the fields of social sciences. Collectivism holds a theory that subjugates individuals to group associations no matter their races, classes or states. It stresses that group’s goals supersede individual’s desires. In this sense, collectivistic individuals sacrifice their interests for the sake of entire society . A collectivistic person is inclined to work instead of getting education if their families’ financial situation is in difficulty. They prefer to be a doctor instead of an artist if it is the expectation of people around them. In contrast, Individualism, as the name indeed suggests, holds the idea that people should act and decide independently. Majority has no rights to vote minority’s decisions, as people’s own minds are more sovereign than others. It is typical for individualistic person to prioritize their ambitions rather than social institutions such as society or family. The concept of collectivism and individualism has a great role in understanding the fundaments of society and how it works superficially. After the 1970’s growing concern about uncontrolled individualism in Western societies increased importance of the concept of Individualism and Collectivism. Moreover, the question of to whom the life of a person belongs-to individuals themselves or entire society arose. Individualism and collectivism, two fundamental viewpoints, both of

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