Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Collectivism refers to a social or political ideology that emphasizes the importance of the group over the individual. It promotes cooperation, shared responsibility, and collective decision-making.
Related terms
Individualism: Individualism is the opposite of collectivism, focusing on personal freedom, independence, and self-reliance.
Communism: Communism is an extreme form of collectivism where all property is owned by the community and wealth is distributed equally among its members.
Socialism: Socialism advocates for collective ownership and control of resources in order to promote equality and reduce social inequalities.