individualism
in-dih-VIJ-oo-uh-liz-um
/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/
The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant; a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
Individualism can be seen as a positive (freedom) or a negative (loss of community) depending on the sociological perspective.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'in-' (not) and 'dividuus' (divisible). An individual was originally something that could not be divided further. The term 'individualism' was coined by 19th-century critics of the French Revolution.
Word relationships
- autonomy: The right or condition of self-government, often more focused on the political or legal right.
- independence: The fact or state of being independent, often more general than the social theory of individualism.
- collectivism: The practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it.
- communitarianism: A philosophy that emphasizes the connection between the individual and the community.
Commonly confused with
- individuality: Individuality is the quality that makes a person unique; individualism is the social theory that values that uniqueness.
Word family
- individual (noun/adjective): a single human being as distinct from a group
- individualize (verb): to make individual in character
Collocations
- rugged individualism
- methodological individualism
- rise of individualism
- expressive individualism
Example sentences
- "Individualism is a mature and calm feeling, which disposes each member of the community to sever himself from the mass of his fellows." Classic analysis of American culture. (Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America)
- "The rise of rugged individualism has often been at odds with the need for collective social welfare." Modern political discourse.
Memory hook
An 'Individual' is 'In-Dividable'—you can't split a single person into parts. The indivisible self.
When not to use
Do not confuse it with 'selfishness'; individualism is a philosophical and social system, not just a personal trait.
Fun facts
- Tocqueville coined the term to describe a specifically American phenomenon he observed in the 1830s.
- In sociology, 'methodological individualism' is the principle that social phenomena must be explained by individual actions.
Related words
Explore more words
libertarian, maverick, autonomy, Social loafing, nonconformist, unilateral
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