Which statement best defines individualism?

Which statement best defines individualism?

• A. A preference for a loosely-knit social framework where individuals take care of themselves and their immediate families (e.g., USA)
• B. A preference for collective decision making
• C. A preference for a tightly-knit framework where individuals expect their in-group to look after them (e.g., China)
• D. A preference for collectivism

Answer: (A)

Individualism centers on independence and personal autonomy. The statement describing a loosely-knit social framework where individuals take care of themselves and their immediate families best captures that idea, because it emphasizes personal responsibility and limited obligation to extended groups. In such cultures, goals are often pursued by individuals rather than by the group, and self-reliance is valued. The other statements describe collectivist patterns—group or in-group decision making, expectations that the in-group will look after members, or an explicit preference for collectivism—where interdependence and group goals take precedence over individual choices. Hence, the loosely-knit, self-reliant description is the best definition.

Individualism centers on independence and personal autonomy. The statement describing a loosely-knit social framework where individuals take care of themselves and their immediate families best captures that idea, because it emphasizes personal responsibility and limited obligation to extended groups. In such cultures, goals are often pursued by individuals rather than by the group, and self-reliance is valued. The other statements describe collectivist patterns—group or in-group decision making, expectations that the in-group will look after members, or an explicit preference for collectivism—where interdependence and group goals take precedence over individual choices. Hence, the loosely-knit, self-reliant description is the best definition.