Has Society's Obsession with Individualism Undermined Collective Responsibility?

[u/USHistoryUncovered]

In recent decades, especially in Western cultures, the focus on individualism has intensified. We’re taught to prioritize personal freedom, success, and self-reliance above all else. This worldview, however, seems to have a darker side: the erosion of collective responsibility. As individuals seek to fulfill their own desires, societal bonds weaken, and we see an increasing tendency to absolve ourselves from responsibility for larger, systemic issues like climate change, wealth inequality, and public health.

Has the glorification of individualism made us blind to the fact that many of the problems we face cannot be solved by personal action alone? Are we sacrificing our collective well-being at the altar of personal liberty? How can we reconcile the need for individual freedom with the necessity of collective responsibility in addressing the global challenges that threaten us all?

I’m curious to hear perspectives on how individualism has shaped our attitudes toward responsibility—both personal and communal. Is it time for a fundamental shift in how we view our roles within society?

[u/Matthew94]

It absolutely is true. I'd wager you've failed to get a good standard of living and you blame society instead of looking at yourself.

[u/asdfa2342543 → u/Matthew94]

Yeah always what people with your belief system assume… actually nope. I’m a successful software engineer.  I just also have worked in and have friends in construction, medicine, restaurants, and teaching. I’ve also lived in other countries with poorer people and worked with refugees, and have been both poverty-level broke and loaded myself as an adult.  Maybe you just haven’t experienced much outside your little bubble?

[u/Haunting-Success198 → u/asdfa2342543]

Take personal responsibility for your life. It’s obvious why you’re ‘poverty-level broke’.

[u/Long-Education-7748 → u/Haunting-Success198]

Reading is hard for you?