Never Walk Alone
Navigating Individualism and Collectivism in Relationships, Mental Health, and Personal Growth
I sat with a friend recently during my visit to Abuja, Nigeria, and in our conversation, the subject of individualism and collectivism came up.
It didn’t start with those words, but I had to coin them to properly reference what I took away from the conversation, especially as I pondered our discussion.
He referred to a part of the Christian Bible which states thus :
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man(human) to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
His emphasis was on the fact that it is not suitable for any human being to be alone. This got me thinking, and I must confess that my brain quickly switched from individualism and collectivism to critical analysis and therapist mode. I began to think of the fact that when certain mental illnesses set in, the first point of call is isolation.
Individualism and collectivism are two ends of a spectrum that shape how people interact and perceive themselves.
Individualism champions the idea of personal independence, emphasising self-reliance, personal goals, and individual rights. In such cultures or mindsets, the focus is on personal achievements, ambitions, and autonomy. It often leads to a strong sense of identity and freedom, empowering individuals to pursue their paths and dreams. However, excessive individualism may foster an understanding of isolation or detachment from the community, impacting relationships and social connections.
On the other hand, collectivism emphasises community, group cohesion, and shared goals over individual pursuits. In collectivist cultures or settings, there's a strong emphasis on group harmony, cooperation, and loyalty to the community or family. This can create a supportive network and foster a sense of belonging and interconnections. Yet, it also limits individual expression or creativity, potentially leading to conformity or pressure to fit in.
In terms of relationships, individualism might focus on personal success, potentially affecting the depth of connections if personal aspirations take precedence over communal bonds. In contrast, collectivism can foster close-knit relationships and robust support systems. Still, individual needs or desires might sometimes be overlooked for group harmony.
These cultural or ideological orientations can influence mental health and personal development. Excessive individualism might lead to loneliness or alienation if personal achievements don't bring expected fulfilment. In contrast, extreme collectivism might lead to stress or anxiety due to conformity expectations or the suppression of individual expression.
Switching from individualism to collectivism or vice versa can be a gradual process influenced by various factors. Exposure to diverse cultures, experiences, or education promoting the value of community and cooperation can shift one's perspective. Engaging in community-oriented activities, volunteering, or participating in group projects can also help individuals appreciate collectivist values. Similarly, personal experiences that highlight the importance of individual autonomy and self-expression may lead to a shift towards individualistic tendencies.
Finding a balance that works for an individual is essential, drawing strengths from individualism and collectivism while recognising the value of personal growth within a supportive community. Cultivating empathy, understanding diverse perspectives, and finding harmony between personal goals and communal well-being can contribute to a more holistic approach to relationships, mental health, and personal development.