Collectivistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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collectivistic

[kəˌlɛk.tɪˈvɪs.tɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

social theory

Collectivistic refers to a social theory or cultural orientation that prioritizes the group over individual interests. It emphasizes the importance of community, social cohesion, and the well-being of the collective, rather than individual autonomy and personal goals.

Synonyms

communal, cooperative, group-oriented, shared.

Examples of usage

  • The collectivistic culture promotes teamwork and collaboration.
  • In collectivistic societies, family bonds are often stronger than individual aspirations.
  • Education in collectivistic environments focuses on group achievements.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

  • In many Asian cultures, collectivistic values emphasize family, community, and harmony over individual achievements.
  • Indigenous communities often have a collectivistic approach, where resources and responsibilities are shared for the well-being of the whole tribe.

Psychology

  • Collectivistic societies may experience higher levels of social support and belonging, as individuals identify closely with their groups.
  • Research suggests that collectivistic people may prioritize group goals and relationships in decision-making processes more than those from individualistic cultures.

Economics

  • In collectivistic economies, the focus is often on group ownership and decisions that benefit the community rather than personal profit.
  • Some socialist and communist ideologies promote collectivistic principles, arguing that sharing resources leads to fairer societies.

Education

  • Collectivistic teaching methods encourage group projects and collaborative learning, fostering teamwork among students.
  • Schools in collectivistic cultures often promote values of cooperation and collective success instead of just individual performance.

Political Structures

  • Collectivistic political systems may prioritize community welfare programs and public ownership of resources.
  • Countries with collectivistic ideologies often see different citizens' rights and responsibilities compared to individualistic societies.

Origin of 'collectivistic'

The term 'collectivistic' derives from 'collectivism,' a political or economic theory that emphasizes collective control over individual life and productivity. The roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when the concept began to gain traction in various political movements, particularly in socialist and communist ideologies. Collectivism often emerged as a response to the perceived excesses of individualism and capitalism, advocating for the rights and needs of the community as a whole. The suffix '-istic' indicates a characteristic or related to, hence 'collectivistic' describes behavior or attitudes that are aligned with collectivism. Over the decades, collectivistic ideals have influenced various cultures and social structures around the world, leading to differing interpretations and implementations in societies.