Individualism vs. Collectivism

 

October 20, 2020 Week 6 Response to Individualism vs. Collectivism

 


    If an American child were given a very public award for being an outstanding student in their school, he would be proud; his parents would be proud!  If a Chinese student were given the same award in their school for being outstanding, he would be embarrassed and wish he hadn’t stood out less in class; so would his parents.  Both students would think the other was being ridiculous for feeling that way.  This is a misunderstanding that happens in individualism and collectivism cultures. Each of these cultures have pros and cons, so which is the best?

An individualistic culture is pro individual.  It values self-reliance, independence, enjoys uniqueness, and leads an independent life of others. A collective culture is the opposite.  It looks for the group in making decisions and following along with what everyone else is doing.  It respects elder family members and follows their decisions without question.   Is it possible to have the best of both?  



 

Professor John Ivers asked his class to evaluate the Latter-day Saint community to see what kind of a culture it is; Individualism or Collectivism. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught that the Savior ministers to us one by one, each of us is a beloved child of God and that He knows us each individually.  We understand that we are responsible for our own thoughts and actions and we will be judged for them. So we care a great deal about the individual choices we make and we want to do all that is possible in our power to do good.  We are taught to be self-reliant, to be unique, and to accept others uniqueness.  We also like to gather in groups and build unity, working towards a common goal of helping all to Christ.  We have Relief Society groups for women, Elder quorums for men, primary for children, youth groups for the youth, and ward congregations for all to be a part of. Each of these groups have respected leaders and goals that we work together to complete. We look out and care for each other.  At the same time, we are working on our individual selves to become better and grow closer to the Savior.  I know it’s not perfect but I believe it’s a step in the right direction in being the best of both cultures; we help each other grow and still work individually for the betterment of ourselves.   Truthfully, I think we need both in our cultures, Individualism and Collectivism 

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