Reasons for Embracing Collectivism: A Political Science Essay

This essay examines the concept of collectivism, arguing for its advantages over individualism in contemporary society. It begins by defining collectivism as the prioritization of society over the individual, contrasting it with individualism. Drawing upon the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, the essay high...Read More

Running Head: COLECTIVISM 1
Reasons for Embracing Collectivism
Name
Institution

COLLECTIVISM 2
Reasons to Embrace Collectivism
Collectivism is the idea that the life of a person does not belong to them but the society
and community. From this, the individual has no rights, and as such, they must sacrifice their
values and goals for the sake of the nation. For supporters of collectivism, the society is the basic
unit, and all moral concerns of the individual should serve the community. Individualism, on the
other hand, is an idea that the life of a human being belongs to them and by being a human being,
they have the right to live their life as they see fit. We should embrace more collectivism since it
fosters unity and equality in society. Collectivism is also the best approach to use in a world that
has limited resources. The following paper will give reasons for embracing collectivism based on
the philosophy of Hobbes. Benefits of collectivism over individualism are included, and one
disadvantage is provided to show alternate views.
Hobbes on Collectivism
Thomas Hobbes in his book The Leviathan gives strong support for collectivism. In this
book, he advances the idea of the social contract and state of nature. Before the establishment of
civil order, the natural state of man can be said to have been one of individualism. In this state of
nature, every man is for himself and man can do anything for self-preservation. Once a man has
achieved the rule of reason, he can form a government or monarchy. The formation of a
government requires a social contract to be created in which man gives up some of his rights to
the government and the rule of law (Lumen, 2018).
From Hobbes philosophy, it is clear that collectivism is better for the society than individualism.
When individuals forfeit some of their rights for the benefit of the community the nation grows.
Collectivism in the modern era is essential because of the increase in population in the world.

COLLECTIVISM 3
With the rise in population the resources need to sustain, this population is dwindling, and as
such, collectivism is more important to protect the society from individuals who would only use
these resources for themselves. Collectivism supports the notion that the community is higher
than the individual protection of resources is achieved because the greater good of the society
comes first. For instance in the U.S famous for its individualism, the rich usually put their
interests over those of, and this leads to social problems (Frank, 2015).
Benefits of Collectivism
Societies that live collectively benefit from the creation of equal opportunities that the
members of such communities receive. When every individual in the nation are equal,
opportunities for employment and businesses will be delivered equally among every member. In
America, the Healthcare system is collective; this benefits the society because every individual in
the country can have access to decent health service delivery. Collectivism in the healthcare
system benefits the whole community since the rich in the society help the government through
funds, which are used to care for the poor through affordable programs such as Medicare (Romm
& Nantes, 2017).
Negative Effects of Individualism
The recent mass shooting in which a lone gunman kills innocent people can be attributed
to individualism. Since individualism focuses on the rights of the individual, many individuals
have taken it to be their rights to purge the society of unwanted influences. The recent shooting
in the U.S are the results of individualism. Most of these individuals see it be their right to
perform these crimes. When we embrace collectivism such individuals will adopt the laws and
customs of the society, and this will prevent such atrocities from occurring. Collectivism ensures

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every person in the nation keeps the needs of the society first, in such communities committing
crimes such as murder are prohibited since the individual will be breaking community rules
(Jans, 2018).
Disadvantages of Collectivism
Despite being for collectivism, it also has its, and I will state some of them. Some
governments that support collectivism are totalitarian. Excessive control by the government on
people’s rights and duties might lead to abuse of office where leaders can use the collective
mentality of their followers and invite them to commit crimes. When it comes to racial issues in
America, there has been a negative form of collectivism where there are racism and the majority
white race band together to discriminate the minority races. Another disadvantage of socialism is
that it leads to brain drain and a lack of ideas. Brain drain occurs when the best individuals in
society leave it for the more individualistic cultures. Collective societies also limit the creation of
ideas because individual have to adhere to the rules of society and sometimes these rules stifle
creativity (Sasser, 2017).
Conclusion
Collectivism the idea that the life of an individual belongs to the society is better for our
current than individualism. By embracing, a collective lifestyle people can live equally, and
problems such as racism will be outdated. When all the individuals in a society follow the rules
and keep the interest of the society, first crimes and other forms of hate crimes will reduce.
Collectivism protects society from individualistic people who only care for profits at the expense
of the community.

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References
Frank, S. (2015, July 5). IndvsCol [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=GVuinvE0Yto&feature=youtu.be
Jans, D. (2018). The Road to Tyranny: Individualism to Collectivism. New York, NY: Springer
Publishing.
Lumen Learning. (2018). Enlightenment Thinkers. Retrieved from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-worldhistory/chapter/enlightenment-thinkers/
Romm, N., & Nantes, Y. C. (2017). Balancing Individualism and Collectivism: Social and
Environmental Justice Contemporary Systems Thinking. J. M. Mills (Ed.). New York, NY:
Springer International Publishing.
Sasser, C. (2017). Crushing the Collective: The Last Chance to Keep America Free and Self-
Governing. Pennsylvania, WA: WND books.