1.3.2 What is Individualism?
Completion requirements
1.3.2 What is Individualism?
"America's abundance was not created by public sacrifices to "the common good", but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their own personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes"
Ayn Rand
Many people came to North America looking for greater freedoms and opportunities for themselves and their families. They wanted to come to a country where they could be themselves, be true to their own beliefs, work hard, and succeed. Although
many Canadians believe in working together to create a society that is good for everyone, in today's Canadian society and in the Canada of the past, the pursuit of individual goals has been important also.
A belief in individualism is a foundation of ideologies such as liberalism, which is the main ideology found in Western democratic and economic systems today.
Individualism is an ideology based on the primacy of individual freedom. It is a belief in the freedom and worth of the individual over the security and welfare of the group. A supporter of the principles of individualism is referred to as an individualist. Supporters of individualism believe that self-reliance and personal autonomy create the best society.
Consider the quote on the left side of this page, then look at the quote below.
A belief in individualism is a foundation of ideologies such as liberalism, which is the main ideology found in Western democratic and economic systems today.
Individualism is an ideology based on the primacy of individual freedom. It is a belief in the freedom and worth of the individual over the security and welfare of the group. A supporter of the principles of individualism is referred to as an individualist. Supporters of individualism believe that self-reliance and personal autonomy create the best society.
Consider the quote on the left side of this page, then look at the quote below.
- What do they say about individualism?
- To what extent do you agree with the ideological perspective presented?
More and more, when faced with the world of men, the only reaction is one of individualism. Man alone is an end unto himself.
Albert Camus
Some values and beliefs behind individualism
- Each person is unique.
- Individuals are responsible for their own well-being, for meeting their own needs, and for making their own decisions and judgements.
- Individuals obtain meaning in their lives by working towards their own goals through their own work and through competition with others.
- Individuals' rights and freedoms are of the utmost importance and are protected by law.
Principles of Individualism
- Private Property (right to own)
- Rule of Law
- Individual Rights & Freedoms
- Competition
- Economic Freedom
- Self-Interest
© Alberta Education, 2009
© ADLC
Read pages 71 to 79 in your textbook, Perspectives on Ideology.
As you read, take notes on the key principles of individualism.
How do they apply to you as a member of Canadian society?
Do you believe in following any of these principles?
Do you believe in following any of these principles?
How would you analyze the perspective found on the T-shirt at the top of this page?
Click here to see if you are on the right track: notes .
Click here to see if you are on the right track: notes .
You will learn more about individualist-based ideologies in theory and in practice throughout this course.