Political Science

The population or a society living under certain norms is one of the characteristics that define a state. These norms help determine the direction a state goes with regards to the policies of its government ranging from local laws to foreign policy.  In an article written by David Brooks in the New York Times (2008), he identified two kinds of states according to the societies that formed it  the individualistic societies and collectivist societies.  By way of examples, he cited some two westernized states such as the United States and Great Britain for the former and Asian countries such as China and Japan on the other though there are also several states in Europe, such as Germany, and Africa that also fall in this category.

Collectivist societies were formed from tribal societies at the dawn of civilization.  These people realized that cooperation was the key to their development and security and are characterized by clannishness or leader principle.  The result is a citizenry compliant to their government.  In addition, because of their clannishness, they tend to be wary of outsiders, as is the case of China and Japan and are slow to absorb anything foreign and would be more protective of its patrimony.  Individualistic societies tend to emphasize the importance of the individual, as characterized by the rights guaranteed to the individual by the supreme laws of the land.  Historically, this dates back to the time of the ancient Greeks and the city-states which emphasized individual freedoms which was reinforced by literature that evokes heroes with their personal exploits (Brooks, 2008).  Furthermore, the history of the United States has shown the development of an individualistic society where the colonistssettlers got to taste unrestricted freedom and this was something they cherished and have passed on to the succeeding generations.

This is a freedom where individuals are encouraged to prove their worth in society and with a dream and a drive, they have succeeded.  This is a society ideal for those who seek challenges and opportunities.  A collectivist societystate is ideal for those who seek security which is not only protection from harm but the assurance that their needs are met in order for them to be productive members of such a society.