Individualism vs Collectivism in Group Dynamics

GROUP DYANMICS

1. Individualistic /collectivistic Cultures The SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

2. Background Theory: Individualism-Collectivism Model Used to explain large amounts of variation seen in human behavior, social interaction, and personality Explain differences in people and/or groups How? Collectivist Cultures: individual needs, desires, etc. are secondary to those of the group (Asia) Individualistic Cultures: Higher value on the needs and accomplishments of the individual rather than the group (United States)

3. EASTERN AND WESTERN Influences on Development OF SELF Individualist cultures value in dependence. They promote personal ideals, strengths, and goals, pursued in competition with others, leading to individual achievement and finding a unique identity. Collectivist cultures value inter dependence. They promote group and societal goals and duties, and blending in with group identity, with achievement attributed to mutual support. Individualist and Collectivist Cultures Compared The self: individualism and collectivism

4. People in individualist cultures might raise children to be self-reliant and independent. People in collectivist cultures might raise children to be compliant, obedient, and integrated into webs of mutual support. People in Asian and African cultures might raise children to be more emotionally and physically close to others than in western European cultures. On Developing self:

5. Interdependence Learn to depend on others Read nonverbal cues Listen to authority Be responsible for others Personal goals secondary to goals of the group Motivated by the norms of, and duties imposed by, the group Relationships more important than tasks Social and cognitive skills integrated Westby (2009) Independence Develop early independence Express yourself Responsible for self Live on one’s own One’s own goals take priority Motivated by own preferences, needs , rights Tasks more important than relationships Cognitive skills independent of social skil ls The Difference Between West and East West and East

6. How is a child taken care of? Individualistic VS. Collaborative The Difference Between West and East West and East Lilly Cheng, San Diego State University

7. Cautions in Defining “individualistic & Collectivistic “Conclusions about collectivist and individualistic cultures shouldn’t be overly sweeping and must be carefully applied to selective, specific behaviors, situations, and cultures.

8. “I may not be able to give my kids everything they want but I give them what they need. Love, time, and attention. You can’t buy those things.” – Nishan Panwar   Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent. — Carl Gustav Jung Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all. Erik Erikson