Culture defines how an individual in a society experiences and interprets events that happen around him or her. Social situations are some of the events that a member of a society experiences. In a collectivist culture, there is interdependence that allows social situations to be defined in terms of social relations and obligation. On the other hand, an individualistic society tends to strive for self-improvement and fulfillment (Nauert 1).
Western cultures are more interested in what an individual can achieve other than what the society can achieve. While most individuals in western cultures may be driven by the need to contribute to the society, their main focus is on the self. On the other hand Eastern cultures such as Chinese and Japanese, they are more involved in helping the society achieve more. This allows them to concentrate more on other people (Oyserman and Lee 316).
According to Oyserman and Lee, even the use of priming tasks did not yield conclusive results to support notions of individualism and collectivism (329). As a result, it is paramount to redefine collectivism and individualism in terms of other aspects in the society that may contribute to a response in priming task. Considering other societies around the world, classify a society as individualistic or collectivist will not suffice. The studies conducted should consider other aspects of the society including the exposure to information and technology.
The other thing to consider is how members of the society define success. For those in western cultures, reaching personal potential is regarded as success; however, in most eastern and African cultures, cohesiveness of the society is considered as success. Preconceived notions of success will, therefore, determine responses to priming tasks.
Work Cited
Oyserman, Daphna and Spike W. S. Lee. “Does Culture Influence What and How We Think? Effects of Priming Individualism and Collectivism.” Psychological Bulletin. 134.2. (2008). 311–342. Web.
Nauert, R. Culture Influences Perception. Psych Central. (2007). Web.
