Is Collectivism Hurting Your Mental Health?

Collectivism is the sacrifice or denial of individual benefits and welfare for the good of a social group in general. Individuals prefer to lose their identity and identify themselves as a member of a family, caste, creed, race, tribe, workgroup, political, social or religious association. There is a sense of subordination to this collectivity and they try to find their true being and freedom only in submission to the general will of the community. Individualism says that people are responsible for themselves first and they value personal success. On the other hand, collectivism teaches group values and that people should privilege the needs of the group.

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What is a collectivist Culture?

Collectivist culture refers to a view that prioritizes the needs of a group or society over the needs of the individuals. A collectivist orientation throws its weight behind “WE” instead of “ME”. Members are part of an in-group and embrace a group identity that obligates them to their cultural community. Countries, particularly in Asia, prefer having collectivistic societies instead of individualistic ones.

They prioritize the group over the individual. Such countries include Japan, India and China where Intergenerational homes, communal living, and group problem-solving are commonplace. Individuals are seen as a part of the whole. Their achievements are counted as part of a benefit to the whole community rather than a personal milestone. A person’s identity is usually defined through their relationships or contributions to the group. 

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Collectivism as a Political Theory

One of the first discussions of collectivism occurred in Geneval Philosopher Jean Jaques Rosseau’s book “Du Contract Social”. He described that if people considered the collective interest of the group, there would be fewer wars and conflicts. Collectivism became more popular and a matter of heated discussion in the 19^th century when German philosopher Karl Marx propounded that collectivism was a more positive form of social organization that would meet the needs and happiness of the whole group. Marx emphasized collective interest, economic equality, and public ownership as proponents of collectivism which sprouted in the form of a political theory called Communism.

Collectivism and Behavioural Science

While the roots of Collectivism are within the field of political science, it has since been incorporated into behavioural science as a way to understand different mindsets and worldviews in which social behaviour is guided largely by goals that are shared by a collective.

What are its benefits?

1. Social Support Network: Collectivist societies are closely knit together. People are there for each other in times of crisis. This collective resilience often helps with mitigating the risks of mental health disorders. Everyone knows that help is available when needed. It gives them a sense of security
2. Community Rituals and Practices: Events and festivities are the time of the year when families come together and celebrate. They provide opportunities for social contact, strengthening ties and reducing stress.
3. Emphasis on Duty and Purpose: Communities give their individuals a sense of purpose. This can help with removing a lot of the stress we face around existentialism and the meaning of life. It provides motivation and a reason to keep pushing forward despite the challenges. 
4. Shared Responsibilities: Collectivistic societies often share responsibilities among their members. For example, in countries like India and Japan, it is common for grandparents or even neighbours to look after the kids if their parents are away for some work. This ensures that the kids are taken care of even if an emergency were to come up.
5. Reducing Self Focus: Putting the good of the group ahead of their problems, collectivists prioritise harmony within the group. Despite the drawbacks, this also lessens self-centred thinking, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or failure.

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What are its downsides?

1. The stigma associated with mental health conditions

The stigma associated with mental health conditions is collectivism’s main flaw. The interests of the group are prioritised over those of the individual in collective cultures. Therefore, to avoid stigmatising the affected person’s family and community, personal issues—particularly those about their mental health—are frequently kept hidden. Conditions frequently go untreated and develop over time because stigma prevents people from admitting to having them or even from getting help for them. 

2. The Need to Fit in

In collectivist societies, there is tremendous pressure to live up to social norms and expectations. To preserve harmony within the community, people are frequently urged to repress their distinctive characteristics or interests. For people who find it difficult to fit into predetermined roles, this conformity can hinder personal development and result in feelings of inadequacy or alienation. People who defy expectations in their gender roles, careers, or lifestyles, for example, will face rejection or criticism, which will have an impact on their mental health. 

3. Neglecting Personal Needs

Individual demands are frequently subordinated to the group’s goals. According to this collectivist perspective, personal objectives or self-care seem like selfish acts that can undermine group consensus. Because people devote all of their attention to others and neglect themselves, this propensity can eventually result in burnout. Resentment accumulates, stress is created, and emotional weariness happens. 

4. A fear of being judged

Social standing and reputation are highly valued in collective societies. People may be afraid to disclose vulnerabilities or seek professional assistance for fear of being judged or shunned. This dread frequently leads to emotional suppression, in which people conceal their issues to maintain their composure and strength. This could therefore prolong unresolved issues and exacerbate mental health issues. 

5. Hierarchical Structures’ Function

Elders and leaders are respected in many collectivist cultures because they are hierarchical. This provides stability, but it may also restrict how freely mental health issues are discussed. The younger generation may be unable to open up to leaders or relatives due to miscommunication or disrespect. Effective support systems may be hampered by a lack of communication.

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Conclusion

Collectivism has its advantages when it comes to fostering connections, values and traditions among its members. It provides a strong social network that helps individuals deal with issues like isolation and purpose. It also helps with keeping people close to each other in a social setting which brings a sense of relief and belonging. However, placing the community’s needs above the individual can often make the members feel like they are being ignored or not being taken care of. In other words, it can bring feelings of insignificance and low self-worth. A good balance between the individual and collective can fully reap the benefits of a collectivistic society.