Collectivism vs Individualism

During my communication skills lectures, I came across the concept of individualistic and collectivist cultures. It was explained pretty well, but something about it stuck with me. I could not stop thinking about where I fit on that spectrum.

Do I lean more toward individualism, living life on my own terms, chasing my own goals, or do I have a bit of that collectivist mindset, where my choices are shaped by the people around me? It felt like something worth exploring and writing something about.

This post is basically me thinking out loud and trying to figure it out. Spoiler: I still don’t have a clear answer, but I’ve learned some interesting stuff along the way.

So, here’s the idea of individualism vs. collectivism. Individualism is all about you. Your goals, your freedom, your personal success. The focus is on being independent and standing out. Collectivism, on the other hand, is about us. It’s about being part of a group—whether that’s your family, community, or even a bigger cause—and making choices that benefit the whole.

In individualistic cultures (think the U.S./Western countries), people are encouraged to follow their dreams and focus on personal growth. In collectivist cultures (a lot of Asian, African, and Latin American countries), the focus is more on harmony, relationships, and shared success. These two perspectives may sound pretty different on paper, but in real life, it’s not so easy to differentiate them.

The funny thing is, it’s not like you walk around thinking, “Am I going to make an individualist or collectivist decision today?”

It just kind of happens.

For example, when I’m thinking about things my career and school, I’m very individualistic. I want to make decisions that I feel are right for me, even if they go against what’s expected by other people. But when it comes to family stuff, I’m way more collectivist. I’m constantly thinking about how my choices affect the people around me. It’s really weird how these two mindsets can coexist in the same person. Some days, I’m all about doing my own thing and chasing personal freedom. Other days, I’m like, Wait, life isn’t just about me! it’s also about family, friends, and society!

I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty independent person (as an introvert that i am). I enjoy having control over my life and the ability to make decisions without the need for approval from others. That sounds very individualistic. But when I look closer, I realize how much I rely on the people around me. I value my relationships deeply, and I’m constantly checking in with myself to make sure I’m not being selfish. I like being part of something bigger than myself, whether it’s supporting friends, contributing to something meaningful, or just helping out when I can. So, yeah, I guess I’m a mix of both. And honestly? I think most people are.

If there is one thing I have learned from thinking about all of this, it is that you do not have to take sides. There is no "right" way to live; just do what works best for you. Sometimes, being individualistic is exactly what you need to move forward. Sometimes leaning toward collectivism can give you a sense of purpose and connection. It’s about balance and knowing when to switch gears.

So, am I a collectivist or an individualist? To be honest, I do not know if it matters. What I do know is that both perspectives have helped shape who I am, and I am grateful for that. If you’ve ever found yourself torn between wanting to do your own thing and wanting to be there for others, you are not alone. It is all part of self-discovery. And if you’ve never thought about it, take a few minutes and ask yourself: Are you more of a “me” person or an “us” person? The answer may surprise you.