Lecture7Collectivismvs.Individualism.pptVIP

Collectivism vs. Individualism Individualism and collectivism are conflicting views of the nature of humans, society and the relationship between them. 1. Definitions How would you define individualism? How would you define collectivism? Give examples to show your understanding of individualism and collectivism How to understand the term “in-group”? Distinguish between collectivism and egalitarianism Individualism: Gould and Kolb: belief that the individual is an end in himself/herself, and as such ought to realize his/her self and cultivate his/her own judgment, notwithstanding the weight of pervasive social pressures in the direction of conformity. Individualism holds that the individual is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value. This view does not deny that societies exist or that people benefit from living in them, but it sees society as a collection of individuals, not something over and above them. Collectivism: great emphasis on The views, needs, and goals of the in-group rather than of oneself Social norms and duty defined by the in-group rather than behavior to get pleasure Beliefs shared with in-group rather than on beliefs that distinguish oneself from the in-group Great readiness to cooperate with in-group members Extreme/basic individualism Extreme/basic collectivism Collectivism holds that the group--the nation, the community, the proletariat, the race, etc.--is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value. This view does not deny the reality of the individual. But ultimately, collectivism holds that ones identity is determined by the groups one interacts with, that ones identity is constituted essentially of relationships with others. In-group (内集团） It’s seen as group of people about whose welfare one is concerned, with whom one is willing to cooperate without demanding equitable returns, and separation from whom leads to discomfort or even pain. Who is included in one’s in-group is quite variable: th