This document discusses individualism and collectivism and how they relate to social identity. Individualism focuses on uniqueness of individuals while collectivism focuses on the group as a whole over individuals. People can exhibit traits of both and it depends on whether they are with close friends/family or in work/school groups. The author personally shows more individualism with close groups but collectivism in work/school where their goals may cooperate or not correlate with the group goals. Individualism and collectivism can vary per person and influence how included or excluded people feel in social groups.

1. Running head: INDIVIDUALISM, COLLECTIVISM, AND SOCIAL IDENTITY 1
Individualism, collectivism, and social identity
Erin N. Bosman
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire

2. INDIVIDUALISM, COLLECTIVISM, AND SOCIAL IDENTITY 2
Individualism, collectivism, and social identity
Individuals can have a higher level of individualism or a higher level of
collectivism, or a balance of the two traits. Either way, most individuals have some level
of a need to belong whether that's with their family or within an organization of some
sort. Individualism is focused on the uniqueness of each individual while; collectivism is
focused on the group as a whole or other members of the group before the individual
member (Forsyth, 2014, pg.78).
The relationship between individualism and collectivism is referred to as
allocentrism, according to Triandis, Bontempo, Villareal, Asai, & Lucca, (n.d.). "This can
be found in three forms: Individual goals can be positively (cooperation), negatively
(competition), or not (individualism) correlated with group goals" (Triandis, Bontempo,
Villareal, Asai, & Lucca, n.d.).
Generally, My personality tends to reflect a balance of both collectivism and
individualism. When with primary level groups, such as family or close friends, I tend to
be more unique reflecting individualism. I enjoy having time to myself and need time
away from interacting. However when I am working with social level groups, such as
through work or school, I tend to show more collectivism. I lean towards making sure the
whole group is included, happy, and no individuals are being ostracized before looking at
my own goals for the group. In relation to the ideas presented by Triandis, Bontempo,
Villareal, Asai, & Lucca, (n.d), when working in a group my individual goals tend to
fluctuate between cooperation (positively correlated) and individualism (not correlated)
with the group goals.

3. INDIVIDUALISM, COLLECTIVISM, AND SOCIAL IDENTITY 3
Individualism and collectivism can vary with each individual and often can be
confused (and sometimes correlated) with the idea of being selfish or selfless. Largely,
Individualism and collectivism can reflect on social identity within a group and whether
individuals are being included or excluded.

4. INDIVIDUALISM, COLLECTIVISM, AND SOCIAL IDENTITY 4
References
Triandis, H., Bontempo, R., Villareal, M., Asai, M., & Lucca, N. (n.d.). Individualism
and collectivism: Cross-cultural perspectives on self-ingroup relationships.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 323-338.
Forsyth, D. (2014). Inclusion and identity. In Group dynamics (6th ed.). Belmont,
California: Wadsworth.