The document explores the individualism-collectivism model to describe differences in behavior, social interaction, and personality across cultures, specifically contrasting Western (individualistic) and Eastern (collectivistic) perspectives. It highlights how individualistic cultures prioritize personal achievements and independence, while collectivist cultures emphasize group goals and interdependence. The author cautions against oversimplifying cultural differences and discusses parenting styles influenced by these cultural values.

1. IN
DIVIDUALISTIC
/CO
LLECTIVISTIC
CULTURES
The SELF IN WESTERN AND
EASTERN THOUGHT

2. BACKGROUND
Theory: Individualism-Collectivism Model
▪Used to explain large amounts of variation seen in
human behavior, social interaction, and personality
▪Explain differences in people and/or groups
How?
Collectivist Cultures: individual needs, desires, etc. are
secondary to those of the group (Asia)
Individualistic Cultures: Higher value on the needs and
accomplishments of the individual rather than the group
(United States)

3. EASTERN AND WESTERN INFLUENCES ON DEVELOPMENT OF SELF
▪ Individualist cultures value independence. They promote personal
ideals, strengths, and goals, pursued in competition with others,
leading to individual achievement and finding a unique identity.
▪ Collectivist cultures value interdependence. They promote group
and societal goals and duties, and blending in with group identity,
with achievement attributed to mutual support.
Individualist and Collectivist Cultures Compared
The self: individualism and collectivism

4. ▪ People in individualist cultures might raise
children to be self-reliant and independent.
▪ People in collectivist cultures might raise children
to be compliant, obedient, and integrated into
webs of mutual support.
▪ People in Asian and African cultures might raise
children to be more emotionally and physically
close to others than in western European
cultures.
ON DEVELOPING SELF:

5. Interdependence
Learn to depend on others
Read nonverbal cues
Listen to authority
Be responsible for others
Personal goals secondary to goals
of the group
Motivated by the norms of, and
duties imposed by, the group
Relationships more important
than tasks
Social and cognitive skills
integrated
Westby (2009)
Independence
Develop early independence
Express yourself
Responsible for self
Live on one’s own
One’s own goals take priority
▪ Motivated by own
▪ preferences, needs ,
▪ rights
Tasks more important than
relationships
Cognitive skills independent
of social skills
•The Difference Between West and East
West and East

6. HOW IS A CHILD TAKEN CARE OF?
•Individualistic VS. Collaborative
•The Difference Between West and East
West and East
Lilly Cheng, San Diego State University

7. CAUTIONS IN DEFINING “INDIVIDUALISTIC & COLLECTIVISTIC
“Conclusions about collectivist and
individualistic cultures shouldn’t be
overly sweeping and must be carefully
applied to selective, specific behaviors,
situations, and cultures.

8. “I may not be able to give my kids
everything they want but I
give them what they need.
Love, time, and attention.
You can’t buy those things.”
– Nishan Panwar
Nothing has a stronger
influence psychologically on
their environment and
especially on their children
than the unlived life of the
parent.
—Carl Gustav Jung
Life doesn't make any sense with
out interdependence. We need ea
ch other, and the sooner we learn
that, the better for us all.
Erik Erikson