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Preferred term

collectivism/individualism  

Definition

  • Collectivism is a societal orientation toward promoting the well-being of the collective, whereas individualism is a societal orientation toward the well-being of individuals. Collectivism and individualism are important concepts in group processes and intergroup relations because these concepts capture two fundamental motivations of homo sapiens: “getting along” and “getting ahead.” Because humans are social animals living in a group that often has complicated internal structures (e.g., an organization), we must get along with other group members while simultaneously trying to get ahead of them. [Source: Encyclopedia of Group Processes & Intergroup Relations; Collectivism/Individualism]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/collectivism_individualism

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