ESSAY

Module Code and Title (eg. FC011: The Individual, State and Society)

Modern, Capitalist Society: Individualism and Collectivism Values



[Your student number]

[Your tutor's name]Modern, Capitalist Society, Individualism and Collectivism Values

Introduction

This essay discusses the extent to which modern, capitalist society should be based on the values as per the ideology of individualism and collectivism. These two ideologies have been associated with capitalism and socialism, which are in opposite to each other. However, individualism and collectivism are not mutually exclusive rather they can complement each other to create a new improved world order.

Discussion

The discussion is based on the evaluation of two ideologies in terms of application. It has been argued that, which system engenders what merits and demerits. Then it will be determined which element of the two system should be blended with the other to create a new and improved economic system that will determine future capitalist society.

Collectivism is a theory and practice that focuses on the groups rather than individuals as fundamental units of social, economic and political concern. As per the theory, in collectivism approach, claims of group, state or associations should supersede the claims of individuals (Gaus et. al, 2004:128). It has been associated with socialism and communism. On the other hand, individualism is a political view which in theory entails that individuals should be left free to the extent as possible, to determine their own moral matters, and future in economic sense (Gaus et. al, 2004:128). Individualism has been associated with capitalism. It is because of the fact that, apparently capitalism proclaims that, people are intelligent beings, capable of making their decision in life, and so is the view of individualism (Degen, Robert. 2008: 12).

The problem is that both the theories have failed to deliver what they claimed. The world has seen the results of communism and socialism theory in practice (Atkinson, 1995). While it was very attractive that collectivism is the best ideology, it had resulted in inefficient systems and more people thriving on the few shoulders to carry the economy. Today, almost all the countries in the world have primarily capitalism in place, with their customized policies in place.

Capitalists seem to have drifted from pure capitalism (Richard Doak, 2009: 10). Since, it will be very hard for a government to leave the people on their own; the government cannot just sit and watch less intelligent people, dying in the face of prosperity being enjoyed by only few. To understand what can solve the problem, one needs to probe the problems that emerged in both the ideologies practicality.

Individualism explains the goal of individuals' pursuit of aiming for better, and doing so in a direct measurable way. It is much harder to measure your own efforts in collectivist form of economy since the overall performance counts and not the individuals. In individualist society, if someone wants better future, he or she will simply have to put in greater efforts. Individualism supports the moral principles based on personal beliefs. Problems start from here, if the individuals are free to ...