Communities play a substantive role in distinctive aspects of the lives of people in society. Notably, having a strong sense of community in our families, friends, employments, relatives, and neighborhood unites us. Besides, as part of a community, individuals have a sense of identity and belonging greater than an individual. Also, belonging to a community enables people to feel valued and accepted. Moreover, individuals with a strong sense of community have a strong connection, which is considered psychological. Typically, these individuals sacrifice their identity to embrace, act cohesively and protect the group’s identity. Several major aspects entail a sense of community, including personal investment, a common symbol system, emotional connection, and influence fulfillment of needs and boundaries. Besides, individuals are able to share connections and promote each other towards perpetual growth. Remarkably, a good and strong community usually lives for each other’s common good, portrays commitment to support and love each other unconditionally. Several characteristics define a good community: cohesiveness, safety, confidence, prosperity, and a conducive environment free from crime, poverty, and hatred. Strikingly, socialization, social participation, social control, and mutual support are important community functions. The ideology of collectivism encourages the attainment of community or group goals which in turn impact positively on the whole society. Strikingly, collectivism is more appealing and easy to attain goals due to the support received from people of diverse characteristic creating a pool of expertise and opportunity unlike individualism that fosters personal goals and refutes inclusivity and diversity. To this extent, therefore, having a strong sense of community is more beneficial than having a strong sense of individualism.
Proof
A Strong Sense of Community
ensures the Society is Safe and Secure.
The community plays
a significant role in society by offering us people we can associate with
while3 living in a safe society. As a result, individuals are able to live, get
socially fixed and feel accepted by a larger group of people. Notably, people
who believe in collectivism, through knowing their neighbors and establishing a
strong community, develop a feeling of security knowing that other people
around you are taking and watching over you (Triandis 44). Individuals usually
have peace of mind while undertaking their daily activities as they know that
other people around them will do everything to collectively ensure each member
of the society is safe and sound, including the kids. Therefore, no place is
completely safe or perfect, but being part of a large group of people makes
individuals feel secure.
Collectivism in society gives individuals a feeling of safety. Particularly, people living together feel safer knowing that they can rely on other community members at all times. Remarkably, people are usually reassured and empowered when they stumble on roadblocks, feel lost in their lives, and facing personal issues through having a social safety net (Spicker 13). Besides, if individuals find themselves facing difficult times, they know that the community is watching their backs and will support them back to their feet. Many people in the society who are considered home-bound have made outstanding efforts to remain strongly engaged in the community, despite the issue of social distance in contemporary times. Today, many community members maintain their spirit of collectiveness by watching over each other, especially during these difficult times when the world is fighting the COVID- 19 pandemics. Therefore, to this extent is engaged in a community is heroic in that an individual helps others around them and themselves, also ensuring that all those in the community feel a sense of safety.
A Strong Sense of Community makes Society a Place of Togetherness and Opportunity.
Humans are social beings. Strikingly,
being human is a natural feeling that is endowed with a sense of togetherness.
As humans evolved from cave dwellers, they have developed a sense of
interdependence, care, and love for each other in society. Such collectiveness
turns society into a place of increased opportunities and togetherness. During
an individual’s transformation from childhood to adulthood, they develop a
sense of caring and living together harmoniously with friends, neighbors,
relatives, and family members. According to Scott (2012) a strong community
should embark on “… building a sorely needed sense of togetherness.” Strong
ties among societal members create a sense of togetherness and the quest to
support each other in achieving societal and collective goals. A strong sense
of collectiveness creates a feeling of togetherness through festivals, community
rituals, parties, and sports. A strong sense of community among individuals
creates a support system that offers individuals more opportunities to share
skills, experiences and handle problems together as one. On the other hand,
individualism does not instill a sense of safety to individuals in a society as
each person is less concerned with the safety of others. To this extent,
therefore, acting together in line with nature provides the society with a
strong support system and togetherness, which positively impacts societal
groups.
Strengthen our Self-esteem
A strong sense of community is
considered a vital aspect that positively impacts and fosters an individual’s
self-esteem. On the other hand, it is recognized as an important part of
society’s community is encouraging and uplifts an individual’s self-esteem.
Notably, when an individual is recognized for their active role and
participation in society’s collective efforts, they feel a strong sense of
belonging which encourages them to be more active in the society. As a part of
a collective group, one is identified with the group and is devoted to making
sacrifices. The group also actively protects its members against unwanted
elements outside the group, creating a stronger emotional attachment among
members of that community. Moreover, high esteem underpins an individual’s
experience and desires to have positive perceptions in every circumstance. On the
contrary, individualism may likely lead to low self-esteem since no one
recognizes a person’s participation and contribution to the society. In
contemporary times, society is always in need of individuals who act
collectively towards an issue of concern. In essence, high self-esteem is vital
for individuals to face challenges in society with hard work and commitment
towards the community’s greater good.
Concession
The benefits of
collectivism do not exist without a cost. Particularly, when we become part of
a community, we are obliged to abide by that community’s responsibilities.
According to Spicker (19), community roles and duties limit our freedom to do
whatever we wish at all times. For instance, when one is part of a family, they
are supposed to help in the activities that conform to a family, such as taking
out the trash, helping in garden work, or household chores. Besides, church
members are obliged to dedicate their time and money, especially on Sabbath
day. More so, some behaviors that individuals who are part of the church are
not allowed to do, such as drinking alcohol and attending the church service.
Consequently, we are committed and dedicated to the group’s goals and
objectives even when they are against our individual goals. In regards, being
part and having a strong sense of community, members enjoy emotional and
psychological benefits. Still, we have to sacrifice our individual goals and
uphold the goals of the community.
A sense of community has negative implications on an individual and the society as a whole. Collectivism leads to individuals leaving their personal goals in favor of community goals. Triandis (57) argues that, individuals cannot achieve their set initiatives and goals as they fully commit themselves to collectivism. The justification is that an individual’s idea cannot stand unless it meet s the needs of the community and holds mutual benefits to the two entities. Particularly, abandonment of personal goals at the expense of collective goals limits a person’s potential and suppresses their ultimate goals in life. Collectivism does not give room to acts of individualism. For instance, people who strive to achieve their goals rather than those of the community are perceived to be an enemy of society and lack others’ interests at heart. To this extent, therefore, a balance between individualism and collectivism is necessary to promote the attainment of both individual and collective goals without antagonism.
Collectivism promotes inequality in society. According to Triandis (130) people have different capabilities and commitments towards attaining group and personal goals. In collectivism, not everyone deserves an equal amount as others. Some individuals put more effort towards the collective course while others do not have the drive and commitment to put the same effort. Similarly, those who put less effort and those who put more effort may end up getting the same income, which is completely unfair and unacceptable. Notably, individualism promotes inefficiency and laziness among group members. Such perceived inequality may demoralize the hardworking individuals affecting their output, which negatively impacts society. Therefore, to this extent, collectivism as an ideology is more centered on the well-being of the community than an individual who in turn negatively affects the individuals who make up the community.
Conclusion
A strong sense of
community is beneficial to society. Collectivism and individualism play a
substantive role in society. However, a complete individualistic society may
likely have negative implications and be unsafe for societal members. In order
to prevent these negative effects, society should put rules and regulations to
control humanity’s actions since too much liberty can be disastrous. Notably,
collectivism has positive implications such as a sense of belonging, sense of
identity, strengthening individuals’ self-esteem in the community, sense of
security and togetherness. Besides, collectivism is beneficial to society as a
whole, unlike individualism, which benefits just one person. Typically,
individualism may highly likely lead to many differences among members of a
group. Such differences promote antagonism and disunity, which will
significantly negatively impact the growth and development of society’s social,
political, and economic spheres. For instance Marche (2012), asserts that, “the
Pilgrims who left Europe willingly abandoned the bonds and strictures of a
society that could not accept their right to be different. The above incident reveals the antagonism that
can exist in due to diversity in a group and lack of inclusivity. Also, the
society may end up being chaotic with individualism promoting malicious
behaviors that may hurt the society. Despite collectivism turning out to be the
best ideology to livelihood in a society, it has negative impacts, which
require a good understanding and balancing of community and individual mutual
benefits. To this extent, therefore, there is a dire need to create a wise
balance between a sense of community and individualism.Communities play a substantive role in distinctive aspects of the lives of people in society. Notably, having a strong sense of community in our families, friends, employments, relatives, and neighborhood unites us. Besides, as part of a community, individuals have a sense of identity and belonging greater than an individual. Also, belonging to a community enables people to feel valued and accepted. Moreover, individuals with a strong sense of community have a strong connection, which is considered psychological. Typically, these individuals sacrifice their identity to embrace, act cohesively and protect the group’s identity. Several major aspects entail a sense of community, including personal investment, a common symbol system, emotional connection, and influence fulfillment of needs and boundaries. Besides, individuals are able to share connections and promote each other towards perpetual growth. Remarkably, a good and strong community usually lives for each other’s common good, portrays commitment to support and love each other unconditionally. Several characteristics define a good community: cohesiveness, safety, confidence, prosperity, and a conducive environment free from crime, poverty, and hatred. Strikingly, socialization, social participation, social control, and mutual support are important community functions. The ideology of collectivism encourages the attainment of community or group goals which in turn impact positively on the whole society. Strikingly, collectivism is more appealing and easy to attain goals due to the support received from people of diverse characteristic creating a pool of expertise and opportunity unlike individualism that fosters personal goals and refutes inclusivity and diversity. To this extent, therefore, having a strong sense of community is more beneficial than having a strong sense of individualism.
Proof
A Strong Sense of Community
ensures the Society is Safe and Secure.
The community plays
a significant role in society by offering us people we can associate with
while3 living in a safe society. As a result, individuals are able to live, get
socially fixed and feel accepted by a larger group of people. Notably, people
who believe in collectivism, through knowing their neighbors and establishing a
strong community, develop a feeling of security knowing that other people
around you are taking and watching over you (Triandis 44). Individuals usually
have peace of mind while undertaking their daily activities as they know that
other people around them will do everything to collectively ensure each member
of the society is safe and sound, including the kids. Therefore, no place is
completely safe or perfect, but being part of a large group of people makes
individuals feel secure.
Collectivism in society gives individuals a feeling of safety. Particularly, people living together feel safer knowing that they can rely on other community members at all times. Remarkably, people are usually reassured and empowered when they stumble on roadblocks, feel lost in their lives, and facing personal issues through having a social safety net (Spicker 13). Besides, if individuals find themselves facing difficult times, they know that the community is watching their backs and will support them back to their feet. Many people in the society who are considered home-bound have made outstanding efforts to remain strongly engaged in the community, despite the issue of social distance in contemporary times. Today, many community members maintain their spirit of collectiveness by watching over each other, especially during these difficult times when the world is fighting the COVID- 19 pandemics. Therefore, to this extent is engaged in a community is heroic in that an individual helps others around them and themselves, also ensuring that all those in the community feel a sense of safety.
A Strong Sense of Community makes Society a Place of Togetherness and Opportunity.
Humans are social beings. Strikingly,
being human is a natural feeling that is endowed with a sense of togetherness.
As humans evolved from cave dwellers, they have developed a sense of
interdependence, care, and love for each other in society. Such collectiveness
turns society into a place of increased opportunities and togetherness. During
an individual’s transformation from childhood to adulthood, they develop a
sense of caring and living together harmoniously with friends, neighbors,
relatives, and family members. According to Scott (2012) a strong community
should embark on “… building a sorely needed sense of togetherness.” Strong
ties among societal members create a sense of togetherness and the quest to
support each other in achieving societal and collective goals. A strong sense
of collectiveness creates a feeling of togetherness through festivals, community
rituals, parties, and sports. A strong sense of community among individuals
creates a support system that offers individuals more opportunities to share
skills, experiences and handle problems together as one. On the other hand,
individualism does not instill a sense of safety to individuals in a society as
each person is less concerned with the safety of others. To this extent,
therefore, acting together in line with nature provides the society with a
strong support system and togetherness, which positively impacts societal
groups.
Strengthen our Self-esteem
A strong sense of community is
considered a vital aspect that positively impacts and fosters an individual’s
self-esteem. On the other hand, it is recognized as an important part of
society’s community is encouraging and uplifts an individual’s self-esteem.
Notably, when an individual is recognized for their active role and
participation in society’s collective efforts, they feel a strong sense of
belonging which encourages them to be more active in the society. As a part of
a collective group, one is identified with the group and is devoted to making
sacrifices. The group also actively protects its members against unwanted
elements outside the group, creating a stronger emotional attachment among
members of that community. Moreover, high esteem underpins an individual’s
experience and desires to have positive perceptions in every circumstance. On the
contrary, individualism may likely lead to low self-esteem since no one
recognizes a person’s participation and contribution to the society. In
contemporary times, society is always in need of individuals who act
collectively towards an issue of concern. In essence, high self-esteem is vital
for individuals to face challenges in society with hard work and commitment
towards the community’s greater good.
Concession
The benefits of
collectivism do not exist without a cost. Particularly, when we become part of
a community, we are obliged to abide by that community’s responsibilities.
According to Spicker (19), community roles and duties limit our freedom to do
whatever we wish at all times. For instance, when one is part of a family, they
are supposed to help in the activities that conform to a family, such as taking
out the trash, helping in garden work, or household chores. Besides, church
members are obliged to dedicate their time and money, especially on Sabbath
day. More so, some behaviors that individuals who are part of the church are
not allowed to do, such as drinking alcohol and attending the church service.
Consequently, we are committed and dedicated to the group’s goals and
objectives even when they are against our individual goals. In regards, being
part and having a strong sense of community, members enjoy emotional and
psychological benefits. Still, we have to sacrifice our individual goals and
uphold the goals of the community.
A sense of community has negative implications on an individual and the society as a whole. Collectivism leads to individuals leaving their personal goals in favor of community goals. Triandis (57) argues that, individuals cannot achieve their set initiatives and goals as they fully commit themselves to collectivism. The justification is that an individual’s idea cannot stand unless it meet s the needs of the community and holds mutual benefits to the two entities. Particularly, abandonment of personal goals at the expense of collective goals limits a person’s potential and suppresses their ultimate goals in life. Collectivism does not give room to acts of individualism. For instance, people who strive to achieve their goals rather than those of the community are perceived to be an enemy of society and lack others’ interests at heart. To this extent, therefore, a balance between individualism and collectivism is necessary to promote the attainment of both individual and collective goals without antagonism.
Collectivism promotes inequality in society. According to Triandis (130) people have different capabilities and commitments towards attaining group and personal goals. In collectivism, not everyone deserves an equal amount as others. Some individuals put more effort towards the collective course while others do not have the drive and commitment to put the same effort. Similarly, those who put less effort and those who put more effort may end up getting the same income, which is completely unfair and unacceptable. Notably, individualism promotes inefficiency and laziness among group members. Such perceived inequality may demoralize the hardworking individuals affecting their output, which negatively impacts society. Therefore, to this extent, collectivism as an ideology is more centered on the well-being of the community than an individual who in turn negatively affects the individuals who make up the community.
Conclusion
A strong sense of
community is beneficial to society. Collectivism and individualism play a
substantive role in society. However, a complete individualistic society may
likely have negative implications and be unsafe for societal members. In order
to prevent these negative effects, society should put rules and regulations to
control humanity’s actions since too much liberty can be disastrous. Notably,
collectivism has positive implications such as a sense of belonging, sense of
identity, strengthening individuals’ self-esteem in the community, sense of
security and togetherness. Besides, collectivism is beneficial to society as a
whole, unlike individualism, which benefits just one person. Typically,
individualism may highly likely lead to many differences among members of a
group. Such differences promote antagonism and disunity, which will
significantly negatively impact the growth and development of society’s social,
political, and economic spheres. For instance Marche (2012), asserts that, “the
Pilgrims who left Europe willingly abandoned the bonds and strictures of a
society that could not accept their right to be different. The above incident reveals the antagonism that
can exist in due to diversity in a group and lack of inclusivity. Also, the
society may end up being chaotic with individualism promoting malicious
behaviors that may hurt the society. Despite collectivism turning out to be the
best ideology to livelihood in a society, it has negative impacts, which
require a good understanding and balancing of community and individual mutual
benefits. To this extent, therefore, there is a dire need to create a wise
balance between a sense of community and individualism.