Culture is well described as a collective term that includes the norms and social behaviors present in different societies. Culture also encompasses the knowledge, customs, beliefs, abilities, arts, habits, and laws of people found in these societies. In other words, the term culture means the values shared in a particular community or group of people. There are numerous types of cultural values across the globe. Collectivist culture is one of the cultures that exist among a specific group of people. Notably, a collectivist culture is a culture that values the prerequisites of a community over an individual (Cherry, 2020). Precisely, in a collectivist culture, the interest of the community or group of people comes first.
Consequently, the community, family, and kinship are essential in a collectivist culture. Individuals work together in this culture as a family to build harmony as they value group cohesion. Besides, they value what is good for the entire society rather than what is good for an individual. Generally, people who are under collectivist culture do not consider individuals as distinct elements scattered all over the community (Cherry, 2020). Instead, they perceive people as interdependent beings who are part of a broader community. The collectivist culture supports the idea that human beings need each other to survive and prosper (Cherry, 2020). As a result, people's orientation in this type of culture is outward, targeting the community, rather than inward.
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Collectivist cultures are associated with numerous traits. In this culture, people are deliberated to be good if they promote the welfare of others and the community in general. Everyone is encouraged to assume active roles in society and do what is beneficial to the whole society rather than what is good for them (Merkin, 2015). Communities, families, and collective rights surpass the rights of individuals. Besides, the rules in collectivist cultures advocate for selflessness, unity, and brotherhood. Individuals support each other in this culture, and working together is the norm (Merkin, 2015). Group identity is crucial in a collectivist culture, and they emphasize the group welfare over the welfare of an individual.
Collectivist culture is significant to our social being in various ways. First, rather than thinking about oneself as an independent unit, individuals feel as a group that helps them attain what they desire as a community (Gorodnichenko & Roland, 2012). Also, in a collectivist culture, decision making and other vital issues always take place inside a family, as youths respect and follow the advice of older people in the society. There is unity and brotherhood in this form of culture (Gorodnichenko & Roland, 2012). As mentioned above, individuals are encouraged to work together and cooperate, which builds good relationships among them. Undoubtedly, collectivist culture helps people to stay together in peace and harmony as a group.
Individuals become collectivists when they are motivated by the goals of the group. They consider long-term relationships vital than short-term bonds. Collectivist people sacrifice individual benefits or praise. Instead, they acknowledge and honor the success of the team (DiPrete, De Graaf, Luijkx, Tahlin, & Blossfeld, 1997). Unlike individualists, collectivists person are embarrassed when they are honored individually or singled out of the group. On the other hand, individualist people are motivated by personal benefits and rewards (Merkin, 2015). They tend to put first personal objectives and goals rather than the interest of the group. Individualistic people are contented working independently, not taking part in any team.
References
Cherry, K. (2020, February 9). Understanding Collectivist Cultures. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-collectivistic-cultures-2794962
DiPrete, T. A., De Graaf, P. M., Luijkx, R., Tahlin, M., & Blossfeld, H. P. (1997). Collectivist versus individualist mobility regimes? Structural change and job mobility in four countries. American journal of sociology, 103(2), 318-58.
Gorodnichenko, Y., & Roland, G. (2012). Understanding the individualism-collectivism cleavage and its effects: Lessons from cultural psychology. In Institutions and comparative economic development (pp. 213-236). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Merkin, R. (2015). The relationship between individualism/collectivism. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 39(4).
