【Reaction】 Week 5 *Yuka*

     The reading was about individualism and collectivism. The author explains individualism as “societies in which the ties between individuals are loose (Pg 92)” while collectivism as the opposite. It also mentions that many factors such as wealth, family, and history determine whether the society as individualism or collectivism. Many results of the research were shown in the article to support this argument.

It explains the factors which determine individualism and collectivism very well, which is very difficult to analyze. As the author states in page 127, although many people consider individualism as a kind of superior concept, both individualism and collectivism have merits and demerits.

     I think individualism allows people to make choices freely while collectivism does not because of the tight bond and many rules within the group. At the same time, individualism is severe for people in some way because people have to be responsible for what they did. On the other hand, people in collectivism society always have a sense of secure because others cover one’s failure. However, it does not allow people to make a choice freely because of the tight bond and many rules within the group. In my opinion, people belongs to the society which values collectivism are not good at think for themselves; they are accustomed just to follow to the rules.

     Group work in the university taught me that the U.S. values individualism, which is different from the culture of my home country. For example, people prefer to divide the work here in the States. In this system, “who is responsible for what part” is very clear. Students like a leader who claims his or her opinion, and they also say what they think directly. On the other hand, in my home country, people tend to gather together to do the work, which is like “everyone is responsible for all the part.” People like leaders who value others’ opinions. Saying what he or she thinks too much makes other people feel uncomfortable.

     I am looking forward to exchanging opinions regarding individualism and collectivism with other classmates tomorrow!