World Societies (Coco)

Sample Solution

     

Natadecha-Sponsel's article "Individualism as an American Cultural Value" discusses the role of communalism (e.g. focus on the group/community) as opposed to individualism in American culture. She argues that individualism is a core American value, while communalism is a more important value in other cultures.

The role of individualism and communalism in East Asia

East Asian cultures are generally considered to be more collectivistic than individualistic. This means that individuals in East Asian cultures tend to place more emphasis on the needs of the group than on their own individual needs. This is reflected in many aspects of East Asian culture, such as family relationships, work culture, and social values.

Full Answer Section

      For example, in East Asian cultures, it is common for children to live with their parents until they get married. This is because the family is considered to be a very important unit in East Asian culture. Children are expected to care for their parents in their old age, and parents are expected to support their children throughout their lives. East Asian work cultures also tend to be more collectivistic than individualistic. Employees in East Asian companies are often expected to work long hours and to put the needs of the company before their own individual needs. This is because the company is seen as an extended family, and employees are expected to be loyal to the company. East Asian social values also tend to be more collectivistic than individualistic. Individuals in East Asian cultures are expected to conform to social norms and to avoid causing shame to their family or community. This is because the group is seen as more important than the individual. Comparing East Asia to the United States The United States is a much more individualistic culture than East Asia. This means that Americans tend to place more emphasis on their own individual needs than on the needs of the group. This is reflected in many aspects of American culture, such as family relationships, work culture, and social values. For example, in the United States, it is common for children to move out of their parents' homes as soon as they can afford it. This is because Americans tend to value independence and self-reliance. Americans are also expected to take care of themselves, and the government does not provide the same level of social support as in East Asia. In the United States, work cultures tend to be more individualistic than collectivistic. Employees in American companies are often expected to work hard and to achieve their individual goals. This is because Americans tend to value success and competition. American social values also tend to be more individualistic than collectivistic. Americans are expected to be themselves and to express their individuality. They are also expected to stand up for their own rights and beliefs. Conclusion East Asian cultures are generally considered to be more collectivistic than individualistic. This means that individuals in East Asian cultures tend to place more emphasis on the needs of the group than on their own individual needs. This is in contrast to the United States, which is a much more individualistic culture. The values of individualism and communalism have a significant impact on many aspects of culture, such as family relationships, work culture, and social values. It is important to understand these differences when interacting with people from different cultures.