The term individualism means the tenets that point out to the moral worth of an individual. It explains self-reliance, liberty, independence, and freedom of an individual. A situation where citizens do not rely on the government! Instead, they are issued permissions by the government to become self-reliant and responsible for their safety and security is also individualism.
Taking a look at examples of individualism
Individualism depicts a mentality of self-dependence. It revolves around the self alone and promotes a culture that seeks to be independent rather than getting attached to a group or organization. It has a unique form of communication. The examples of individualism are countries such as the Netherlands, the United States of America, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, and Canada that exhibit a high individualistic culture.
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History Of Individualism
Individualism makes an individual the sole point of call, as it is the opposite of totalitarianism and Collectivism. The history of individualism is traced to the 1830s, even though there was no proper focus on it and thus was not clear enough as to who influenced that move.
The Owenites in the late 1830s introduced the word “Individualism” and, however, cannot tell the originator of the action, whether it be a French politician called Saint Simionianism or someone else.
Later, in some writings, there was some more positive and explicit use of the word as discovered in Britain. Some folks argued over individualism and, however, drew their conclusion. Some of these people were James Elishama Smith and a Christian Israelite, who argued that individuals who practice individualism would not obtain all it takes to improve happiness.
In 1847, Thomas Carlyle and German Romanticism finalized positively in that concept in his work “Elements of Individualism.”
Characteristics Of Individualism
Culture can influence people’s way of thinking, nonetheless taking a hold on their behavior. Like every other culture such as Collectivist culture, individualism has its characteristics and uniqueness, which are listed below.
In individualistic cultures, individuals exercise self-reliance and would not depend on the government for their security or additional needs. It focuses on the need of the individual, displaying it as a priority over other groups; and had more significance placed on them.
Individual rights are prioritized; giving them the center stage.
Individualistic culture places great emphasis on the uniqueness and importance of individuals.
Individualism is frequently in contrast with the Collectivism. In Collectivism, people sacrifice their satisfaction for the benefit of others.
They focus more on building personal identity and autonomy, which has a significant influence on how a community functions.
At a time of difficulty, it requires people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps; this can be found only in individualistic culture or individualism.
Significance Of Individualism
Individualism is the freedom to do whatever a person pleases to do without the interference of the government or higher authority. Individualism grants total independence on the citizens, and thus; allowing everyone to pursue their personal goals, however building a stronger community as one. Below is the significance of individualism.
The rights and needs of people are given priority in an individualistic society.
Individualism concentrates on building a closer and stronger relationship; hence, people who practice individualism are not likely to be strangers as that of Collectivism.
Individualism allows people to speak their minds since it regards everyone as unique and essential.
There is no space for bias where one person is either liked or helped more than another; in this case, they stimulate equality. Their distinct advantage is the purpose of the relationship.
Disadvantages Of Individualism
Individualism, as a culture that pursues its interest in bringing the necessities of its citizens first, also has drawbacks and shortcomings, which includes the following.
Help is limited in individualism. Once a person experiences failure or downfall, help may never come from another.
The height of competition can mount social and economic pressure. People in such a society want to be better and not left behind.
There is limited government control in an Individualistic cultural practice and can lead to economic variations and instabilities.
It can be tough getting out of poverty as the society is perceived to be selfish and less helpful to the less fortunate.
There is trivial cooperation in an individualistic culture, therefore, making creativity challenging to explore.
Does Individualism Bring Satisfaction?
The world views the concept of individualism as a system that aims towards achieving personal objectives. In an individualistic order, growth and improvement are imperative, which leads to invention and aptitude.
Individualism can also become extinct in a community where everyone is distinct and remarkable such as a Utopian society whereby default individualism is lost or considered insignificant. However, its contribution to human happiness or satisfaction remains undoubted as individualism refrain people from responding to the masses or being judged by others. These sets of people tend to live a happier life since they do what pleases them.
Outcome Of Individualism
Individualism gives rise to capitalism. Capitalism sums up as an economic system in which people own the means of production and earnings or revenue personally. It is one effect of individualism in a society causing a monetary unevenness and even more as individuals strive to be successful. More outcomes can also be seen in the positive aspects as it attempts to strike a balance in human identity and to preserve their culture. Individualism does not guarantee success, but then everyone tries to get involved in one job or the other to pursue and achieve their goals, and to become relevant in the society.
Individualism: Growth And Innovation
In an Individualistic nation, people enjoy a high rate of growth and innovation. People equip themselves and attach social status as they reward themselves for accomplishment bringing about creativity and transformation in the economy.
Contrary to Individualistic culture, Collectivism makes collective actions easier involving the group interest; hence development is dependent on interested persons.
Britain: The Most Individualist Nation
The world believes Britain to be the most individualistic country surpassing every other nation. Others like Canada, Germany, South Africa, and Australia are less individualistic compared to Britain. The advancement of these nations is definite proof of their individualist system. Their economy ranks the world. Citizens of these nations live well and participate in whatever that can help them become better individuals.
Individualism And The Move By Other Nations To Its Practice
It is the belief that most western countries practice the individualistic system. It is because it tends to be on the rise, and more countries are moving towards that direction, which is a gradual conversion from a collectivist system to an individualistic practice.
It also seems like a global happening. The statistics are evident as more and more countries move with its value. It also shows that most countries that did not display an improvement in individualism experienced lower socioeconomic advancement.
Approach In Individualism
Individualism supports every action that promotes a top individual’s interest. People hold the view that individualism leads only to integrity and morality as adherents took the right standards at all places.
They make decisions that position a positive influence on their business with the notion of everyone benefiting from it. Even with personal benefits, some companies adopt this system to improve performance through the selfish tendency of the employees.
Nations that do not practice individualism are strictly directed and controlled by the government, thus making innovation and wealth creation slow and arduous. They depend on a collective agreement, putting aside their best and personal interest to achieve that of the group. They enforce law and commitment on the citizen, thus making them focus on cooperative agenda.
More About Individualism
The practice of individualism ensures a civilized society, thereby making life easier for every citizen. Moral stance and individual rights are paramount. There are also fewer conflicts as everyone focuses on their self-improvement.
Causes Of Individualism
Some factors can bring about individualism. These factors include socio-ecological elements such as less climatic stress. More factors include frequent crises, less widespread disease, but more emphasis on socio-ecological factors.
Some nations and countries aim to achieve an individualistic system. But due to the extended stay in collectivisms, they still find it a bit difficult to adjust. However, the constant improvement of other nations plunges others to take the actions that can bring or lead to a state of individualism.
However, some nations are on the verge of achieving the purpose of individualism and, thus, in a few years, will make it. The statistical data shows some other counties not mentioned in this article are at their proximity to attaining individualism. The benefits of individualism are driving many into this type of system, and some are seeking to discover it.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that individualism is a form of culture that strengthens individuals, helping them to achieve their desired goals. Its role is indisputable as people who practice this form of government advances rapidly compared to Collectivism.
The significance of individualism encourages the implementation of the practice by other nations yet to tap into this experience. As seen from examples of individualism, creativity and innovations are the benefits that lie beneath individualism.
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