Individualism
Definition
Individualism is a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
Analogy
Imagine if society was like an art gallery. In individualistic societies, each person would be their own unique painting - distinct from all others and valued for their uniqueness.
Related terms
Autonomy: The capacity of an individual to make an informed decision free from coercion.
Self-reliance: A reliance on one's own capabilities, judgment or resources; independence.
Libertarianism: A political philosophy that upholds liberty as its principal objective. Libertarians seek to maximize autonomy and political freedom.
"Individualism" appears in:
Subjects (5)
Study guides (1)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.