Individualism vs. Collectivism

This entry discussed the definition of individualism and collectivism, as well as implications and consequences resulted from these two different worldviews on the individual, interpersonal and societal level. Individualism is the belief that individuals are separate beings with personal differences that make him/her unique from the group. Internal processes guide individualists’ behaviors, with the goal of reaching self-satisfaction and one's full potential. Collectivism is defined as a social pattern that consists of individuals who are closely interconnected in a group. Collectivists gain their values and social norms from the group. They are more likely than individualists to identify with the intergroup pattern. The impacts of collectivism and individualism on societies and their influences on health, mental health, economic, and religious practices are discussed.