1. Contemporary Individualism and Collectivism
Questions for Inquiry: How are individualism and collectivism expressed today?

2. SWBAT:
Identify three expressions of individualist principles in modern society
Identify three expressions of collectivist principles in modern society
Identify two example of individualism and collectivism coexisting in modern society
Compare and contrast an example of individualism from today with one from the past
compare and contrast an example of collectivism from today with one from the past

3. Today, there’s a real blend between these two concepts as the ‘self made man’ is also an individual who contributes to society thus subscribing, at least partially, to a collectivism philosophy.

4. Some studies indicate that individualism and collectivism are not diametrically opposed concepts. There are many cases where individualist and collectivist values co-exist.

5. Jeff Skoll
Founded the Skoll foundation, which encourages social
entrepreneurship around the world.
influential Hollywood movie producer of socially and politically
relevant themes
Epitome of the “self-made made man” = individualism; but has used
his financial success to work toward his vision of the future: a world of
peace and prosperity and sustainability.” A Collectivist philosophy.

6. John Stanton
An entrepreneur who started the chain, The Running Room.
benefitted from the individualist values of
economic freedom and self-interest to
develop a very successful business
used his success to give back to the
community by supporting charitable
events and promoting healthy lifestyle
choices

7. Anita Roddick
started The Body Shop
Again: an example of individualist
values that also benefit the collective
concept as seen in their mission
statement, “To dedicate our business
to the pursuit of social and environmental
change.” ‘We use our store and our
products to help communicate
human rights and
environmental issues’.

8. Canada can be described as a modern liberal democracy; it’s also a good example of a society in which individualist and collectivist values are used side by side.

9. Examples of the values of individualism in Canada:
individual rights and freedoms
the rule of law
economic freedom

10. Examples of the values of collectivism in our country:
social programs and public services provide by our
government
health care
employment insurance
welfare
public education