This section explores the mindsets of individualism and solidarity. Mindsets are common ways of thinking, established sets of attitudes that exist in a person, group, organization or society. Our mindsets shape how we see and move through the world. In this tool, we are thinking about how our mindsets shape the ways we participate in and structure our collaborations.
What is Individualism?
The dictionary definition is as follows:
Individualism, noun
the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant
Individualism promotes the idea that each person is a separate entity responsible only for themself and to themself. In its focus on self-reliance, it renders invisible the families, communities and ecosystems in which we are all embedded and upon which we rely to survive and thrive.
The principles of individualism emerged as part of the Enlightenment; people wanted to be judged based on individual merit rather than have their destiny set by their family/class.
As Bayo Okomolafe states: People in the Global North are indebted to those in the Global South. The sense of individualism, of individual agency that we believe is our right, has been subsidized by those in the Global South.
It is important to remember that the enlightenment and our contemporary concepts of individualism developed as a result of the luxury of time and material privilege that white land owning men secured through the labor, exploitation and stealing of natural resources of those in the Global South and of women, working poor and indigenous communities across the world.
In the context of the United States, individualism has been celebrated and upheld as the most legitimate way to achieve success. This value of rugged individualism (seen in the pioneer mindset, and the message to pull yourself up by your bootstraps) that is so pervasive in the US, erases the colonization and exploitation that was required to allow that individualism to exist. This dominant value of individualism has been ingrained in all of the institutions and systems that shape our lives.
How is Individualism different from Individuality?
As we think about addressing individualism in our work to advance equitable systems, it is important to distinguish individualism from individuality. Each individual’s unique traits, needs, dreams and agency are a powerful and essential part of our work to create equity. Our goal is not to ignore our individuality, but rather to see and understand that as individuals we are interdependent.
The dictionary definition is as follows:
Individuality, noun
the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind
Our unique personalities, intersectional identities and experiences are what we draw upon to contribute to any collaborative effort. When we seek to collaborate in ways that are rooted in solidarity, it becomes even more essential to name and honor our differences. When we acknowledge our interdependence and recognize the unique needs, perspectives and approaches of all collaborative members then it becomes clear that we need strategies that will work for everyone.
What does Individualism look like? Mindsets & Behaviors
Those of us who have grown up in the United States, especially those of us in the dominant culture, have internalized these mindsets and behaviors. We have been socialized to see individualism as the most valid way to approach moving through the world.
While individualism is the norm in the United States, and in much of the Western world, many cultures around the world operate in more communal and collective ways. Even when we come from cultural communities that value collectivism over individualism, we have still been forced to navigate and work within the dominant culture of individualism. For these reasons, moving away from the mindsets and behaviors of individualism and towards those rooted in solidarity is a powerful act of decolonization and an instructive journey to humanization.
Reflection Questions
- Which of these mindsets do you find yourself encountering the most in your life? How have you encountered them?
- Are any of these mindsets and behaviors alive in your collaboration?
What is Solidarity?
The dictionary definition is as follows:
Solidarity, noun
Solidarity is an awareness of shared interests, objectives, standards and sympathies creating a sense of unity among groups.
Solidarity recognizes the interdependence of individuals, families, communities and societies. Individuals are embedded in ecosystems of relationships, which can provide for the mutual needs of the group when shared interests are acknowledged and prioritized.
If we seek to make systems more equitable, then we must work to understand and engage with all parts of the ecosystem, e.g., all those who are impacted, those who contribute, those who are dependent upon the system, etc. When we work in solidarity, we can create more effective strategies by welcoming the complexity of our diverse communities. Through our work we can identify shared interests that are greater than the sum of our individual efforts. These shared goals are also often more satisfying, creative and life-giving.
Solidarity is a powerful strategy for creating change in complex systems. Working in solidarity can be challenging both because it requires us to navigate complexity and because we have had fewer opportunities to develop the skills and mindsets it requires. Because solidarity goes against the cultural norms of individualism it can be viewed as a sign of weakness rather than a legitimate strategy to advance change. As a result, when we root our collaboration in solidarity, we are pushing against the current of individualism both in our beliefs about what is perceived to be valid and in utilizing a set of skills and capacities that most people have not had many opportunities to learn.
What does Solidarity look like?Mindsets & Behavior
Reflection Questions
- Which of these mindsets do you find yourself encountering the most in your life? How have you encountered them?
- Are any of these mindsets and behaviors alive in your collaboration?