Individualism in Individualized Society?: Results from the European Values Surveys

Abstract

1. Introduction Individualization is regarded one of the most important processes which has changed dramatically. It is widely acknowledged that has experienced, and still encounters, a shift from central authority towards individual freedom and personal autonomy. Increasingly the individual is considered be the maker of the world we inhabit (Heller and Wellbery, 1986: 1). emphasis on the individual and personal occurs in all life spheres and individualism is regarded as the basic orientation underlying people's behaviours and opinions. As such it can be regarded the new ethos of modern, affluent, Western society. Individualism is considered the ideology of societies, ideology being defined as the system of ideas and (Dumont, 1986: 9). It is the leading principle of human beings in all life spheres. question is, however, whether the idea of individualism as a fundamental, underlying principle is realistic or not. In other words, the question is whether individualism is like an ethos in individualized society. This article elaborates on the concepts of individualization and individualism and it attempts empirically asses individualism as an underlying attitude in Western society. Some empirical evidence of increasing individualization will be presented using the data from the European Values Surveys conducted in 1981 and 1990, followed by a description of the indicators used measure individualism. Among others, Dumont argued that the individualistic ideology varied cross-nationally because countries vary in social conditions (Dumont, 1986: 14). These varieties will be explored, as well as the relationships between the various indicators of individualism and some of the indicators of individualization, particularly some religious and moral views, and political attitudes. 2. Individualization Individualization is considered one of the processes associated with what is called modernization. is both an expansive and contested term, but it generally embraces a variety of developments which have shaped the contours of contemporary society. In contrast modern society pre-modern or orders are typically characterized as agrarian, rural, stratified, undifferentiated and highly metaphysical. Modernization processes like rationalization, industrialization, urbanization, specialization and differentiation, have shaped the conditions for a gradual but irreversible transformation of traditional into (affluent) society. basic values in traditional, pre-modern order were primarily based in, and legitimized by tradition and institutional (Christian) religion, whereas in and post-modern affluent order they have become subject of individual freedom and personal autonomy. Increasingly the individual has become free and independent upon the traditional, social and religious institutions. prescriptions by these institutions are no longer accepted and taken for granted. The discourse of modernity rejects the imposition of a substantive notion of good and right, as ordained by a God (Wagner, 1994: 8). Instead, the individual wants decide for himself what is good and bad, what is beautiful and ugly, what is right and wrong. autonomy of choice and moral responsibility for self-initiated action replaced collectively defined status and social duty. Both moral and political authority were decollectivized and relocated in the personal projects of free individuals (Heller and Wellbery, 1986: 5). Modern people are considered be personally responsible for their behaviours and lifestyles. In their decisions and preferences people no longer are guided by tradition and religion; they have become liberated from such authorities. People's decisions and preferences are based primarily on the realization of personal interests. individual's aim is to fulfil private ends, largely through relationships seen as instrumental, and whose principal characteristic is the possession of individual rights that have priority over societal needs (Crittenden, 1992: 3). …

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