Individualism vs. Collectivism: Exploring the Duality of American Values

Individualism involves placing self-interests above group interests, and collectivism as placing group interests above self-interests. Many political and cultural conflicts in the United States stem in part from disagreement over how much the individual should be prioritized over the common good.

Proponents of Individualism

The U.S. and Western European countries have a more individualistic culture. Research has shown that individualistic cultures often produce more confident and independent people. Individualism also prevents governments from abusing their power, ensuring that the peoples’ individual rights are always protected. In other words, supporters of individualism believe that it is of high importance that the government does not infringe on any personal rights, even at the expense of the community. 

Proponents of Collectivism

Most Asian and African countries practice a collectivist culture, meaning that the whole is valued more than the individual. Collectivist cultures often produce more generous individuals because people are putting the good of the community over their personal needs. Research has also shown that American teens tend to put their own happiness and success over others, leading to more selfishness in individualistic cultures. Additionally, compromise tends to be highly favored in comparison to individualistic nations. Collectivists believe the government should work to protect the good of the whole nation/community even if that means some individuals must sacrifice their rights or comforts.

Individualism in the U.S.:

Individualism remains one of the foundational principles of the United States. The Bill of Rights ensures that the federal government must protect a number of individual liberties such as the freedom of religion, speech, press, etc. After The Bill of Rights was adopted, a series of Supreme Court cases applied these liberties to the states through the doctrine of selective incorporation. Locke’s Philosophy that founded the American Democracy promotes individualism because citizens are called to overthrow a government that does not serve their interests. American economic individualism or capitalism calls for less government involvement in the economy (limited government) and a “pulling oneself up by the bootstraps” sentiment. Interest groups across America have allowed a path for Americans to advocate for a specific policy or policy area that individually benefits them (whether that be a “collectivist” or “individualistic” policy area). Some people against the growing individualistic ideals in America might shed light on the recent COVID-19 pandemic where many state governments showcased their commitment to individualism by refusing to enact mask mandates, vaccine mandates, or shutdowns. These Americans are valuing their individual rights to live without much government control on their lives more than a collective need to protect people against the virus.

Collectivism in the U.S.:

Over the years, the American public has become slightly more collectivist. Recent polls show 55% of American voters supporting Medicare for All, a measure that puts everyone’s access to quality and affordable healthcare over the individual right to pay less in taxes. 68% of Americans also support public over private insurance, calling for more government involvement in the healthcare industry. This sentiment has carried over into the tuition-free public college initiative, with 63% of U.S. adults in support. Those against these more collectivist measures might highlight that their individual rights to their property (money) are violated with more government-led programs that inevitably cause increases in taxes.

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