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A History of Individualism and Collectivism

A History of Individualism and Collectivism. SOC 30. The Popularity of Individualism.

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A History of Individualism and Collectivism

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  1. A History of Individualismand Collectivism SOC 30

  2. The Popularity of Individualism One of the dominant characteristics of modern culture is individualism. This individualism prevails not only in the United States, but elsewhere, including Korea. In view of such a long human history, it is not easy to define individualism because as a phenomenon it is complex and varied… - Yung Suk Kim

  3. Early Understandings of Individualism and Collectivism Purpose of Individualism • Autonomy:the state of an individual outside of authority • Self-reliance:being solely responsible for your own well-being Purpose of Collectivism • Common Good: group goals and needs above individual ones

  4. Early Understandings of Individualism and Collectivism • For any hunter-gatherer society, individualism most likely meant death • Hunting was by necessity a communal activity • What if you were injured? • What if there was too little game? • Who would watch your family while you were gone? • Who would watch your back?

  5. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Athens AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • Hyper-individualist • Philosophy is an individual pursuit • Democracy is the best form of government • A “free market” is the best system • The government’s role is to protect the aforementioned democracy 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  6. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Sparta AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • Hyper-collectivist • All men enrolled in the military • Continuous military service • The Hoplite • All women supporting their men and operating businesses • Everything that a Spartan does is for the benefit of the Spartan State 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  7. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: The Apostles AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • See Acts 2:44-45 • “All those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” • Collectivism was again, a social security net • For weak / sick • For widows / orphans / elderly • Christians were soon envied by those around them 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  8. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Medieval Period AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • PaxRomana – Peace of Rome • Rome had provided safety and security for all people • The Roman army operated as a collective entity 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  9. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Medieval Period AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • The “Barbarian Tribes” that wore down the Roman Empire were far more individualist • Individualist for the warrior! • Common people were provided with structure and security in exchange for loyalty and service to their lords • But, individual lives held little value 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  10. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Christian Europe AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • By AD 800, the Catholic church had spread throughout Europe. Its only competition was the Orthodox church in Asia • The church held immense power and was one of the largest landowners • People were organized into different social categories • However, you yourself did not count. It was how you fit into your group that counted 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  11. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: The Renaissance AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • Now we see a shift in the importance of the individual • Renaissance = “rebirth” • The Roman Empire was viewed through rose-covered glasses, and many Europeans believed that they had finally re-reached the greatness of Rome • Revival of classical Greek and Roman culture • Major questions: • What is the importance of life? • What is man’s central role? 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  12. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: The Renaissance AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  13. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Protestant Reformation AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • Caused By: • Growing abuses of the Catholic Church (and thus mistrust) • Philosophical thoughts of the day • Increasingly, Europeans begin to acknowledge the powers and abilities of individuals • Desire for increasing education • Increasingly individualist perspectives 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  14. 4th century BC Aristotle & Self-Interest Early Understandings: Protestant Reformation AD 30-100 Early Christian Collectivism • The invention of the Printing Press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1439 is extremely significant • The Bible may now be translated into the common tongue • The Catholic Church no longer has to “translate” the bible for followers • Individuals can read it for themselves 44BC - AD 476 “Pax Romana” AD 800 Christian Europe 1450-1600 Renaissance 1500-1650 Protestant Reformation

  15. Concluding Thoughts • The widespread belief in individualism is a relatively new phenomenon • However, it never replaced collectivism entirely • Individualism and collectivism exist side-by-side in today’s cultures • These two tendencies will continue to be in tension for the far foreseeable future – they will continue to shape societies

  16. Activity • With a partner (or in groups), decide whether or not the following are individualist or collectivist in nature: • Schools • Hospitals • Government • Traffic Patterns and Rules • Church

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