In this article I explore the concept of collective group identity, as opposed to the more Western idea of individual identity. Collectivism both affirms and threatens base human needs, desires, and expressions.

What is the basis that you use to inform critical life decisions? Do you think with your head or follow the whimsies of your heart? Is financial gain your main motivating factor, or are you primarily concerned with the most ethical solution? Do you seek optimum intellectual gain, or do you wish to take the easiest route available? Lastly, do you make choices that are best for yourself or serve the betterment of your community? Today I am going to explore the concept of collective identity and how it contributes to an individual’s self-conceptualized placement in the world.

Western society places great importance on the concept of individual identity. For many, including myself, we grow up in a society that hammers in our concept of individuality. Our greatness depends on ourselves, creating fierce competition amongst peers as we clamor to edge others out for coveted positions. The general mentality, whether in the workforce, education system, or society itself, is one of championing individual strengths in order to attain personal goals. Though factors such as morality and spirituality inform decisions, the larger picture is often where we see ourselves. We are preoccupied with what position we wish to attain, what material goods we are able to purchase, what image we are able to cast for the viewing pleasure of those around us. Our source of pride and frustration often lies within our own abilities and failures.

In contrast, the concept of collectivism is not concerned with the needs of the individual, but rather the overall betterment of the group. Collectivism prioritizes the group over the self, grouping together individuals that share common values, goals, and beliefs. Individual convictions bleed into the group desires, mixing around until a group identity is formulated, one which dominates the perceptions of those in the group. Members of the group function as a unit, sharing many concepts of life with each other rather than dealing with them on an individual basis. By taking part in group activities, the individual is able to become a part of something that transcends their own identity and sense of self, opening them up to the protection and influence of the group. This is a concept that can be at once beautiful and frightening.

People pride themselves with being viewed as individuals. They don’t want to be lumped into groups with others, a process which is at times necessary but often reductive and damaging. However, when individuals are able to choose their groups, the concept of collective identity can be far more appealing. While fruits of individual labor are shared and split, there is a tremendous advantage to be reaped from belonging to something greater than yourself. Burdens and hardships ranging from financial woes to personal problems don’t have to be dealt with alone. Yes, there are concepts that we can never fully share. We are unable to peel back our minds and allow another to view the world from our exact placement in it. But the ability to share grief or to celebrate as a whole satisfies what is arguably an essential part of humanity. Humans have an innate desire to belong to something, to find our tribes, and making decisions that benefit the group becomes natural under such circumstances. Who wouldn’t want to share the tremendous burden of living? Who doesn’t want to celebrate life as a unit?

Of course, collectivism isn’t without its fair share of problems. One potential problem that collectivism poses is the concept of othering. While forming a group allows for the nurturing of many people at once, providing a constant support system, it also creatures a division between members of the group and the outside world. The needs and orientation of the “in-group” are far stronger than those of the “out-group,” leading to exclusion of needs outside of the established group. This can potentially create conflict and alienation. Additionally, the concept of collective guilt can also be problematic, with members of the group taking on responsibility for the actions of others. Under such conceptualization, the responsibility for the actions or beliefs of a member of the group are shared amongst the entirety of the defined group regardless of whether everyone engages in or believes in what occurred. The group identity therefore becomes the identity of the individual, erasing personal distinctions in favor of a shared identity.

Going along with the desires of a group can blur the lines of morality and lead to questionable ethical choices. It can also numb members of the group to the reality of situations, as they become so lost in their shared identity that they fail to grasp how it is perceived by others, as well as how it affects people outside of the group. This can lead to ignoring, accepting, or tolerating questionable behaviors, further creating alienation between the group and the outside world. Furthermore, collective responsibility can lead to collective punishment, as the individual identity is entirely sacrificed and members of the group are judged as a unit. This form of group punishment can be seen in schools, military units, prisons, psychiatric faculties, and more, leading to groups of people being judged as a whole. This forces all members of the group to share the responsibility of the group whether or not they were directly involved.

Overall, there’s nothing more human than wanting to belong to a group. Finding individuals who share common beliefs can forge a beautiful sense of community that allows for hardships and celebrations alike to be shared. However, the concept of group mentality can quickly become problematic, erasing individual identity in favor of a collective identity that informs the actions of all members of the group. There is a fine line to balance when it comes to belonging to something greater than yourself and losing yourself in favor of a group. It is ultimately crucial to retain a sense of individualism that will allow you to affirm and attain your own beliefs whether or not you operate in a group setting.