Questions for Inquiry: How are individualism and
collectivism expressed today?
SWBAT:
 Identify three expressions of individualist principles in
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modern society
Identify three expressions of collectivist principles in
modern society
Identify two example of individualism and collectivism
coexisting in modern society
Compare and contrast an example of individualism
from today with one from the past
compare and contrast an example of collectivism from
today with one from the past
Today, there’s a real blend between
these two concepts as the ‘self made
man’ is also an individual who
contributes to society thus subscribing,
at least partially, to a collectivism
philosophy.
Some studies indicate that
individualism and collectivism are
not diametrically opposed concepts.
There are many cases where
individualist and collectivist values
co-exist.
Jeff Skoll
• Founded the Skoll foundation, which encourages social
entrepreneurship around the world.
• influential Hollywood movie producer of socially and politically
relevant themes
• Epitome of the “self-made made man” = individualism; but has used
his financial success to work toward his vision of the future: a world of
peace and prosperity and sustainability.” A Collectivist philosophy.
John Stanton
• An entrepreneur who started the chain,
The Running Room.
• benefitted from the individualist values of
economic freedom and self-interest to
develop a very successful business
• used his success to give back to the
community by supporting charitable
events and promoting healthy lifestyle
choices
Anita Roddick
• started The Body Shop
• Again: an example of individualist
values that also benefit the collective
concept as seen in their mission
statement, “To dedicate our business
to the pursuit of social and environmental
change.” ‘We use our store and our
products to help communicate
human rights and
environmental issues’.
Canada can be described as a modern liberal
democracy; it’s also a good example of a society in
which individualist and collectivist values are used
side by side.
Examples of the values of
individualism in Canada:
• individual rights and freedoms
• the rule of law
• economic freedom
Examples of the values of collectivism in our
country:
•social programs and public services provide by our
government
• health care
• employment insurance
• welfare
• public education