Conformity Or Collectivism: Is Individualism Or Collectivism?

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Mark Twain once said, “A round man cannot be expected to fit in a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape.” This quote revolves around the idea of conformity. Conformity or collectivism is the tendency to align attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those around you. It's a powerful force that can take the form of overt social pressure or subtler unconscious influence. As much as people think of themselves as individuals, the fact is that we're driven to fit in, and that usually means going with the flow. The problem with conformity or collectivism is the loss of individuality. Conformists are also known as sheep and the leaders or individualistic supporters are known as lions in society. Is individualism or collectivism more beneficial to society as well as the individual? Where can a balance between the two be found? Opponents of the collectivism idea say that there is no room for individuality when a society conforms. Individualism is the idea that the individual’s life belongs to him and that he has an inalienable right to live it as he sees fit, to act on his own judgment, to keep and use the product of his effort, and to …show more content…

Back to thousands of years again where the cavemen congregated in their groups, they would have had group norms similar to some of the laws we have today such as not to kill someone else and not to steal. Therefore, conformity may have contributed to the law and order we have in the world today. Conformity can be useful when in unfamiliar surroundings or activities. Several examples make their appearance everyday like dancing. Dancing is a fun activity, but when it’s unclear what kind of dancing to do. What happens then? It’s in everyone’s best interest to mimic the people who know what they’re doing to avoid embarrassment. In some way or another, everyone has done it throughout their life but it is really handy in the right

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