Individualist versus Collective Culture
Individualistic culture refers to a culture whereby connection between the individual are weak and every individual takes care of him or her self (Eine, 2011). Individualistic cultures lay more emphasis on the individual and emphasizes on success in term of individual goals and objective. Collective culture is quite the opposite. In collective culture, the bond between individual is strong and there is a sense of community that bind people together. Collective culture lay more emphasis on groups and think in terms of we rather than I. Success is collective culture is mostly measured in terms of community goals, well being and wealth.
I am from a collectivist culture. Most values in our culture are community oriented. There is a strong sense of community from where I come from and every one is expected to be loyal to the community values. The family has been accorded a central position within our culture. This is because the family is viewed as the basic unit of the community. People with our community are expected to do everything possible to ensure the well being of the family. This emphasis is not only on the basic family structure (spouses and the children) but also in the extended family structure. Every member of the family is expected to look out for each other and assist those members who are in need. The needs of the family are viewed as more important than the needs of an individual and therefore everyone is expected to sacrifice own need for the sake of the family. Growing up in this culture has enhanced my appreciation of the family unit. I view the family as a very serious institution that requires a lot reflection and commitment before someone decides to establish one.
Due to the importance attached to the family unit, it is expected that the process of mate selection and marriage must also be closely monitored. Every member of the community is expected to act in manner that will advance the interests of the community. This also include when selecting a mate. One is supposed to select a mate that will not only fit his or her individual expectations and values but also the expectations and values of the community. This means that the community represented by the members of the family must be actively involved in the process of mate selection. This has influenced my idea of an ideal mate as well as my expectations towards the person I would wish to have as a mate. When I decide to select a mate I must put into consideration my expectations as well as the expectations of my community. I must also involve my community in the selection.
Economic activities are also geared towards achieving the collective good rather the individual benefits. This includes careers of individual members of the community. Apart from meeting individual needs, careers are also expected to meet the needs of the community. This has affected my attitude towards career as I am compelled by this culture to select careers that will have a direct impact on the community. Careers that seem to respond to the most important needs of the community have been emphasized and this has affected the attitude of many members of the community. Apart from influencing my career choice, this culture has also influence the career goals that I have made. As match as individual goals are important when setting goals for one’s career, in collective societies one is supposed to lay more emphasis on the goals of the community. Therefore, I am expected to have career goals that are in line with the needs of the community and that will contribute the betterment of the community as whole.
References
Eine Seite (2011). Individualism vs. Collectivism. April 28, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.via-web.de/individualism-versus-collectivism/
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