Collectivism

Definition

Collectivism is a cultural orientation that emphasizes the importance of the group over the individual. It is characterized by a strong sense of belonging, loyalty, and interdependence within a social group, whether it be a family, community, or nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Collectivism is often contrasted with individualism, which is more prevalent in Western cultures.
2. In collectivist cultures, individuals are expected to prioritize the goals and well-being of the group over their own personal interests.
3. Collectivism is associated with a strong emphasis on social harmony, conformity, and interdependence within the group.
4. Collectivist cultures tend to have a more external locus of control, where individuals attribute their successes and failures to the group rather than individual factors.
5. The pursuit of happiness in collectivist cultures is often centered on the group's well-being rather than individual happiness.

Review Questions

• Explain how the cultural understanding of personality is influenced by collectivism.
  • In collectivist cultures, personality is often understood in terms of one's role and obligations within the group, rather than as a unique set of individual traits. Collectivism emphasizes the importance of conformity, social harmony, and interdependence, which shape how personality is perceived and expressed. Individuals in collectivist societies are expected to prioritize the goals and well-being of the group over their own personal interests, and their sense of self is often defined by their relationships and responsibilities within the group.
• Describe how the pursuit of happiness is influenced by collectivism.
  • In collectivist cultures, the pursuit of happiness is often centered on the well-being and success of the group, rather than individual happiness. Individuals are expected to sacrifice their personal desires for the greater good of the group, and their sense of fulfillment is derived from the group's achievements and harmony. The focus on social harmony, conformity, and interdependence means that individual happiness may be secondary to the collective happiness of the group. This contrasts with the more individualistic pursuit of happiness found in Western cultures, where personal goals and self-actualization are often prioritized.
• Analyze how the sociocultural model and therapy utilization are influenced by collectivism.
  • Collectivism can significantly impact the sociocultural model of mental health and the utilization of therapy services. In collectivist cultures, individuals may be less likely to seek out individual therapy, as mental health issues are often viewed as a reflection of the group rather than the individual. There may be a greater emphasis on family or community-based interventions, where the focus is on restoring harmony and fulfilling one's obligations to the group. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental health problems may be heightened in collectivist societies, as individuals may fear being seen as a burden or a source of shame for the group. This can create barriers to accessing and utilizing mental health services, as individuals may be reluctant to seek help that could be perceived as undermining the group's well-being.

Related terms

Individualism:

A cultural orientation that emphasizes the importance of the individual over the group, with a focus on personal goals, rights, and independence.

Cultural Relativism:

The principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of their own culture, rather than judged against the standards of another culture.

In-Group Bias: The tendency to favor and show more positive attitudes towards members of one's own group compared to those outside the group.