Cultures are often defined as either collective or individualistic. Collectivism prioritizes the needs of a group over the individual, emphasizing shared goals, interdependence, and social responsibility. Individualism emphasizes personal freedom, autonomy, and self-reliance, often placing the individual at the center of social, political, and economic systems. To be individualistic is to prioritize one's own needs over the needs of others in the hopes of self-actualization and fulfillment.
Many of us, immigrants and children of immigrants, are often left in the middle of these cultures, something called bicultural straddling. Straddling two seemingly opposite cultures can be difficult because of the polarization that often occurs between individualism and collectivism, leading us to feel like we are living in two completely opposite cultures.
According to Oyserman (2002), to be individualistic is to be quintessentially American. To be American is to be independent and self-sufficient. And so in many ways, we are taught that to be collectivist is to be the exact opposite of what it means to be American. Oftentimes, collectivism is villainized in American culture. It is seen as suppressing the individual will and engaging in conformity. However, that is not necessarily what collectivism stands for.
Why then is collectivism viewed so negatively by Americans?
The roots of this bias can be traced back to as far as the Enlightenment period (17th century) when the idea of a sovereign individual, who has the right to pursue personal happiness and self-determination without interference from the state or society, came to light. This was followed by the rise of capitalism where competition, private property, and the accumulation of wealth are prioritized and seen as success. In contrast, collectivism has historically been associated with political ideologies like socialism and communism, both of which faced strong ideological opposition from the US government following The Cold War. The values of collectivism became synonymous with the Soviet Union and China and therefore became seen as antithetical to the values of liberty and personal freedom. Collective values became related to oppressive regimes where individual rights were subordinated to the collective good. Given this historical context, we must ask ourselves, is collectivism bad or do we just live in a country where it’s portrayed in such a way? To answer this question, we must re-define collectivism.
Collectivism is about creating a society where the common good is for the good of each and every individual.
Collectivism is neither meant to make all individuals conform to one ideal, nor strip people of their independent thoughts and rights. Rather, it is about creating a society where the common good is for the good of each and every individual. The collective decision-making process allows for a diversity of voices and interests to be heard. It can actually enhance freedom by creating conditions where individuals thrive within a supportive and cooperative society. For example, consider the issue of public health. A collectivist approach, such as universal healthcare, understands that the health of one person affects the health of the entire community, given that diseases do not care about borders and spread through communities. By pooling resources and ensuring access to healthcare for everyone, collectivism helps reduce overall societal costs and improves public well-being. Collectivism views dependency as a strength rather than a weakness as this often helps achieve larger societal goals sooner. In times of natural disasters, this means communities can rely on one another for support. Many of the advances in civil rights, labor rights, and gender equality have been achieved through collective action. Collectivism is not about subordinating the individual to the group, but rather about recognizing that the well-being of individuals is often intertwined with the well-being of the community as a whole.
So why does all of this matter and how is it related to mental health? Well, the bias that the US and other western cultures have towards collectivism impacts the way we view our cultures. When everyone around us and society holds this bias, we may begin to believe it as well: about our cultures, our parents, and our selves. In these times it’s important to check our biases and negotiate what’s important to us.
How we define success, progress, healing and well-being are based on these ideologies. In America, to be independent, living away from home and setting rigid boundaries is seen as success, while in collective cultures, living harmoniously within large families, being interdependent and having connection with others is seen as success. For one or the other to be villainized and seen with disdain may result in us believing we are not achieving all that which our peers have because we prioritize collective values. Or on the other hand, our families may believe we have not achieved much because we measured our success from an individualistic lens. This can then cause stress in relationships and result in a need for renegotiation of values. Or at times, it may feel like what you hold as a value is wrong.
Clarifying and balancing the influence of collectivism and individualism values within you is key to achieving good mental health. At Bodh Center for Wellness, we are experts in helping our clients of color clarify their values and achieve a balance that feels right for them. Reach out to us now to collaborate on your wellness journey!
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References
Oyserman, D., Coon, H. M., & Kemmelmeier, M. (2002). Rethinking individualism and collectivism: evaluation of theoretical assumptions and meta-analyses. Psychological Bulletin, 128(1), 3.
