3. Lesson

One of the first things you need to learn about ideologies is that all ideological beliefs fall on a spectrum between the competing values of INDIVIDUALISM and COLLECTIVISM.  Put in other words, do you think the needs of the group (or collective) are more important when considering issues OR do you value the individual above a whole group?

The ideas of collectivism and individualism fall on a spectrum  

Notice that collectivism is on the left side or "wing" of the spectrum and individualism is shown on the right side or "wing".

The following chart breaks down the differences between collectivism and individualism:

Collectivism

Individualism

  • a belief in the value of the collective, or group above the individual

  • That is, the group is more important than the individual.

  • By addressing the needs of the collective good rather than individual needs, the common good is taken care of.

  • People who believe in collectivism are usually referred to as being on the left or having left wing values.
  • The more to the left one moves, the stronger one believes in the values of collectivism or the more "left wing" one is.

  • a belief in the value of the individual above the group 

  • That is, the individual is more important than the group.

  • By addressing the needs of the individual, the common good is taken care of at the same time.

  • People who believe in individualism are referred to as being on the right or having right wing values.
  • The more to the right one moves, the stronger one believes in the values of individualism or the more "right wing" one is.

People who have a moderate view or a belief that occupies the middle ground of the spectrum are referred to as being in the centre. These people may have views that involve some values from both individualism and collectivism, but they do not believe strongly in only one or the other.

Collectivism or individualism: Where do you fit?

Complete the survey on page 7 of your textbook, Understanding Ideologies, to get a sense of where you fit on the spectrum.

As you answered the statements on page 7 about your own values of individualism and collectivism did you find yourself thinking Often but or Rarely but... that is the GREY AREA.  Controversial issues often have no easy solutions and there is a GREY AREA between an individualist response to the issue and a collectivist response to it.  Seldom is an issue just black or white, or someone clearly 100% right or wrong.  Sometimes conflicts originate because individuals and societies are unable or unwilling to consider the grey area between two sides of an issue.  After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 on the United States (often referred to as 9/11), President George W. Bush said, "You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror."  He saw the issue as black and white, but was there grey area?  

Examine the Venn Diagram on page 8 of your textbook, Understandings of Ideologies, to help you identify the GREY AREA.

As the last part of this lesson:

Please watch this short video to help summarize the key understandings in this lesson.