The Principals of INDIVIDUALISM

1. The Principals of INDIVIDUALISM

2. Rule of Law Every individual is equal before the law and all citizens are subject to the law There are no exceptions to the rule of law. Due to this important democratic principle, public figures such as celebrities and politicians are treated and judged the same as an everyday citizen would be. Every citizen is equal in the law, no matter their economic status.

3. PRIVATE PROPERTY is something that is owned by an individual, including real estate, other forms of physical possessions, and intellectual property. The right to the protection of private property is a central principal of liberalism and is seen as a natural extension of the concept of the worth of each individual.

4. Equality Rights Freedom of Religion Freedom of Association Language & Education Rights Mobility Rights Security of Persons Individual Rights and Freedoms There are laws in place prohibiting behaviors and voicing of personal opinions, and some feel as though these laws prevent individual rights and freedoms from being expressed.

5. Economic Freedom The freedom to buy what you want and to sell your labour, idea, or product to whomever you wish. • ELEMENTS OF THE FREE MARKET: • business freedom • trading freedom • tax freedom • no government regulations • labour freedom • investment freedom • property rights

6. Economic Freedom Some countries, such as Canada, are seen as a ‘welfare state’- the government uses policies that directly/indirectly modify the market forces in order to ensure economic stability and a basic standard of living for its citizens. This may lead to questioning about whether or not a country actually has this principal of Economic Freedom, since there are limitations over the use of it. Ex – UI, Pensions Plan, minimum wage, Universal Health Care, Workers Comp.

7. Self-Interest Looking out only for one’s personal interest or benefit. Individual entrepreneurs who serve the common good through honestly and reliability may also serve their own self interest by winning more customers. Essentially, both the buyers and sellers self-interest works to the benefit of the other.

8. Competition Demand for a product causes an increase in competition between sellers, which will create the fairest price for buyers. The act or instance of competing or contending with others. Competition is seen as an incentive for individuals and groups to work harder and more efficiently .

9. The Principals of COLLECTIVISM

10. Co-operation Co-operation – working together to the same end. Very useful because working together can be productive in moving towards a common goal. Enterprises such as daycare centres, healthcare, stores, and credit unions are a few examples of things that can be operated and managed co-operatively.

11. Economic Equality With economic equality you would not see a society with extremely wealthy people while others live in absolute poverty. Wealth is redistributed, and fair wages are ensured for all types of employment. Elitism and ethnic superiority are minimized as pay equity exists, and discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and wealth are not allowed. Economic Equality can include the following: - People with larger incomes pay more taxes All people should earn equal wages for work of similar value There should be a guaranteed annual income All people should share in the wealth of the country or the world People should own the means of production There should be no private property Free access to public libraries, museums, parks

12. Public Property Public property is any land, building, area, park, or business - not privately owned by individuals. • Usually owned by the • government or community • Managed in best interest for • the people • Paid and managed using tax dollars • Examples: hospitals, schools, roads, museums, CBC, or city parks.

13. Collective Interest Collective interest refers to the set of interests that members of a group have in common. Collective interests are the basis for organized labour, such as trade unions. Trade Unions began during the Industrial Revolution, and they help members fight employers for better wages, working conditions, and benefits. Collectively workers have more success than working individually. Examples – Canadian Auto Workers, Can. Federation of Nurses, Int. Assoc. of Fire Fighters, United Steelworkers, Writer’s Guild, NHL Player’s Association, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), ATA

14. We are all accountable for our society Collective responsibility means holding the whole group responsible for the actions of individuals within society. Every member of the group is held accountable. If the group does not work as a team to follow rules and set standards, then the whole group will be punished. Examples: a member of a sports team being late for practice and having the whole team run for his/her actions. Drinking and driving (MADD – SADD) everyone’s assistance needed & everyone is held accountable.

15. Adherence to Collective Norms Adherence to collective norms is the faithful observance of the norms or standards imposed on members of a group as a condition of membership in the group. These norms can relate to conduct, values, or appearance. An example of adherence to collective norms would be setting laws and rules that the people, groups (religious or cultural), or societies must follow.