2.6 Values of Collectivism

Should ideology be the foundation of identity?



Big Ideas:

  • Appreciate various perspectives regarding the viability of the values of liberalism.
  • Examine collectivism as a foundation of ideology.


Roots of Collectivism



People who believe that the goals of society should be emphasized above the individual express a belief in collectivism. Collectivists believe that people function best by acting as part of a larger group. Collectivists are concerned that not only should the government provide security for people, but that all individuals need to be helped in getting their basic necessities, as well. According to collectivists, the best way to meet the needs of individuals is to put all individual and government efforts toward the common good. By establishing order in society, collectivists believe that the needs of individuals are provided for in a secure and protected environment. Collectivists believe that government should have a major role in society.

 




Read "Understandings of Collectivism" and "Early Collectivist Ideas" on pages 68-70 in your textbook, Understandings of Ideologies. These pages will further your understanding of the concepts of individualism and liberalism.

You should make notes, either on paper or on your computer, about what you have read.  You may want to read the tutorial How to Make Notes.  When you are finished the tutorial, return here to continue this unit.


Key Values of Collectivism

The beliefs and values that form the basis of collectivism have given rise to several of the world's ideologies. These ideologies, whether political, economic, or social, focus on the collective values and the common good of society. Collectivism focuses on the "we" and how we all contribute to society.



Those who claim that individuals should be concerned primarily with the goals of society express a belief in collectivism.

Collectivists emphasize the notion that individuals should work together to accomplish society's goals. Collectivists also believe that society's welfare, also known as the common good, is provided for when individuals take on the responsibility of placing the society above their own self-interest. The government should help and guide individuals in satisfying their basic needs within the goals of society. For example, when people work towards society's goals with guidance from the government, both the common good and the individual benefit. They are acting in the best interests of everyone equally.

This diagram illustrates the point of collective effort working for both the individual and the common good:



Because collectivists stress the importance of society's goals, they expect the government to have a larger role in society. The government should get involved in society for the following things:

  • Security–Society should be kept safe through law enforcement by the police and there should be a military to keep society safe from external threats (attacks from other countries).

  • Rights and Freedoms–Government should keep peace and order in society, which is more important than individual rights and freedoms. Property should be controlled by the government.



What are the values of collectivism?

The key values of collectivism are emphasized in the following diagram. Click on each of the yellow and purple boxes for more information.


 

 

 



Watch the video below on Collectivism.