Idea Entry 9 Collectivism and individualism

Idea Entry 9 Collectivism and individualism 

These terms have very political meanings but I would like you to look at them through the lens of a small intimate group of people. Not a nation. 

col·lec·tiv·ism

 –noun

the political principle of centralized social and economic control,esp. of all means of production.

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i·so·la·tion·ism

 

–noun

the policy or doctrine of isolating one's country from the affairs ofother nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economiccommitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devotethe entire efforts of one's country to its own advancement andremain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements andresponsibilities.

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Another term to think about 

Solidarity is the integration, and degree and type of integration, shown by a society or group with people and their neighbours.^[1] It refers to the ties in a society - social relations - that bind people to one another. The term is generally employed in sociology and the other social sciences.

What forms the basis of solidarity varies between societies. In simple societies it may be mainly based around kinship and shared values. In more complex societies there are various theories as to what contributes to a sense of social solidarity.^[1]

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-  Quote 1 

"So what causes so many people to resist the notion of collectivism in favor of individualism?

I suspect that this occurs because while we recognize our role in the "collective" we also want to be recognized as individuals for our contributions to such a group. It is precisely such motivation that provides the "glue" which causes such groups to be strong.  Fame and fortune are sought after because they provide a greater recognition within the social group (perhaps even all human beings), which is what holds the appeal. 

In addition, most people are strongly opposed to the idea of being coerced into group participations.  So it would seem that our urge to consider ourselves as individualists hinges more on having the freedom to determine which groups we associate with, than any issue of true individaulism. However, even coercion is tolerated to a fair degree if it doesn't conflict to radically with our basic desires.  A military draft may be considered too coercive, while the idea of getting a job or obeying the law are generally considered reasonably acceptable.

True individualism is not common and in our society is typically marked as being a sociopath.  This is an individual for whom no social connections matter, and there is little ability to empathize with fellow humans. "

"Individualism And Collectivism." Science 2.0 - ® The World's Best Scientists, the Internet's Smartest Readers. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://www.science20.com/gerhard_adam/individualism_and_collectivism>.

This article put out by Science 2.0 was very informative. I have not prior to this explored the thought of individualism and collectivism in society. The article was written by Gerhard Adam. 

- Quote 2 

Group Dynamics By Donelson R. Forsyth P. 57 and 58 

"From Isolation to Inclusion" is the section on page 57 and 58 that I am quoting.

 This is a small section answering the perpetual question that I am coming to with this work. Weather humans are pack animals or not. The quote has the influence of notable psychologists to add to the relevance of their opinion. 

"Group Dynamics." Google Books. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. <http://books.google.com/books?id=RsMNiobZojIC&pg=PA57&lpg=PA57&dq=isolation and collectivism in small groups&source=bl&ots=FEMsyz4NSV&sig=YkWshEEok2kqzCr9DFfECFzTyO4&hl=en&ei=4TXSTIiAEcOblgfyk82YDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=isolation and collectivism in small groups&f=false>.

- WHY? 

I am currently interested in how my presents effects my subjects. I am viewing my self as another element that I was not originally focusing on. 

Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development (DCDD)