1. Understanding Collectivism and Individualism
The top ten things you should know

2. Collectivism Individualism1

3. Collectivism

4. Historical Understandings Collectivism2
identity based on family/group membership (tribal)
Cave Man – could only survive by working with the group;
Aboriginal societies – e.g. Potlatch on the West Coast
Early Christians – had all things in common

5. 3 Values of Collectivism
Government is seen as a positive force that can help by controlling society 3

6. Advantages of collectivism4
Advantages of collectivism
The needs of the group come before selfish motives
Everyone works together, so if you get into trouble the government has the resources to help you
More economic security as the government will control the business cycle
Cooperation = sharing ideas and effort to make a job easier
Collective norms means we are more considerate of others
Public property ensures that everyone has access to resources (and protects the environment

7. Disadvantages of collectivism5
Disadvantages of collectivism
Collective responsibility means that the whole group takes responsibility for the actions of individuals who may be incompetent
Not everyone contributes to the same degree, yet everyone gets the same compensation
Collective norms can stifle individual expression
There are less economic choices and freedom
People can have less concern or respect for property that they do not own

8. Individualism

9. Origins of Individualism6
Modern ideas developed the Enlightenment
Renaissance (resurrection of classical Western philosophies)
Philosophers question the role of government in the economy and the power government should have in people’s lives
Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau
E.g. rejection of the Divine Right of Kings

10. 7 Values of Individualism
Government control is seen as interfering and counter-productive
Values of Individualism 7

11. Advantages of individualism8
Advantages of individualism
People are more self-reliant, which in turn boosts feelings of self-worth
You have the opportunity to be very successful/rich
Freedom to express yourself
Competition brings new advancements and technology
Rule of law = everyone knows the limits in society
Accumulating private property is the reward for being a contributing member of society, gives a feeling of control

12. Disadvantages of individualism9
Disadvantages of individualism
There is limited help available to you if you experience failure
A lot of success depends on luck and personal connections rather than hard work
Property is often concentrated in the hands of the more fortunate
It is difficult to get out of poverty
Competition can lead to high levels of stress
The economy experiences drastic fluctuation because there is limited government controls
Society is more selfish, has less consideration for others

13. Political Party Spectrum (degree of support for individualist and collectivist values)10
Canada
United States