¶ … person's identity may develop differently in a collectivistic vs. An individualistic culture. Then explain how your own identity has been impacted by your culture (collectivistic or individualistic). Finally, explain how your identity might differ if you were raised in the other type of culture.
Individualism vs. collectivism: Identity
Despite the variation that exists within different cultures regarding values and behaviors, it has been noted that certain character traits appear to manifest themselves cross-culturally, in the form of openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (McCrae, n.d.: 2). In other words, all individuals, in all cultures to some degree can be said to exhibit these traits, or can be classified as lacking in these traits (introversion being the opposite of extroversion, etcetera). However, the extent to which these traits are valued or problematized within a culture is highly contextual...
Someone who is seen as a 'go getter' and actively pursues success is praised. Entrepreneurship and invention and giving birth to new organizations and ideas is seen as the hallmark of success, and someone who manifests these characteristics is likely to thrive in American society. But this value can also come at the expense of others in the community. In other cultures, adhering to community norms is more important. Striving to stand apart from the crowd may be frowned upon. In societies where traditional values govern daily life, following the rules of social behavior and engaging in intense self-monitoring in an introverted way may be seen as a preferable 'way of being' in the world. Japan, for example, values collectivism over individualism. 'Fitting in' at school and later into corporate life is seen…
