Why does modern society focus on the individual so closely to the point of denying humans are social beings?

Question

Every time i hear someone say something to the effect of "i dress s**y for myself" i think of this conflict. Also certain elements of the abortion debate makes me think of this.

Answer 1

Sorry, I don't see your point. Our society is set up to be social. We interact with hundreds of people every week. Doing something for yourself is not denying we are social. It is accepting that we need to take care of ourselves and enjoy ourselves without constant approval of a social group.  

Answer 2

I guess you are referring to USA. Other cultures are quite different, certainly Africa, Latin America, Muslim countries and most of Asia. And even countries like Italy or Greece. In all these places, families and family clans are central.

Putting an emphasis on functioning as a "social being" implies that solidarity is a key determining factor of one's behaviour (at least within a group). Competition and solidarity, however, are inherently contradictory. And the USA is the most competitive country in the world.

I don't think it is possible to have high levels of both solidarity and competition.

Answer 3

Of course is a conflict, the point is what do you prefer?, societies who have decided society matters more than individual are really opresives.  

Answer 4

Just western society focuses on the individual

the east focuses on the group, which is why their last name comes first.

Answer 5

As a libertarian I believe politics should focus on the individual rather than "the hive". But yeah when it comes to society it has become even more self-centred and egotistical ever since the cocaine 80s. I saw a tv sow yesterday, where they were giving away about 100 cutting edge gadgets for a simple question - and guess what? They were all for ONE person.

Answer 6

i understand the bold part of your question.

but i really don't see how that relates to the second part.

sorry.

Answer 7

I think we have been broken down from larger groups, bit by bit and the last division is men and women, divide and conquer. As individual citizens we loose our independence and become dependent on the state. As individual citizens we do not have a family to fight for or back us up, and our money will be spent on products to fill the void. A good consumer is a good citizen.

"Because I'm worth it".

Gee, I'm in a good mood today.

Answer 8

When I hear about crimes being committed I think of your point. Society breeds its own malcontents by promoting certain ideals to the point of excluding all other versions.

Take your example of "s**y". Modern culture, in the USA, has a vision for what is "s**y," and considers s*x to be a primary purpose in life. So, we have people who grow up as attractive teenagers and find themselves privileged vis-a-vis sexuality. They are able to participate in the world of sexual activity because they fit the mold for what society has decided is sexually attractive. Whether an individual choose to participate or not isn't so much a concern as is what society thinks about these people.

How often have you seen a physically attractive person and thought about s*x? It's what we do to these people in our thoughts, and as a result in our actions and interactions with them, that is the problem.

Now consider the physically unattractive, or marginally attractive teenager. What is this person taught about themselves by modern society? Sexual privilege is not extended, at least not in the same degree. They do not have friends continually commenting on their attractive appearance, nor do they experience the attention that is offered to their more attractive peers.

Answer 9

Good question.

I don't know why, I just know we've become a very narcissistic society.

Answer 10

I don't get it.  On one hand, we're hearing that young girls are not thinking for themselves, and are brainwashed by an image of what they should be as illustrated by the media.  Now, you're suggesting that we need to stop focussing so much on our own personal choices, and start paying more attention to the social aspect of our society.  So which is it?

Quite frankly, I'm all for a society of people who act in their own best interests, always mindful of the impact it will have on those around them.