(no subject)
A sociologist named Hofstede created a means of comparing cultures called the five cultural dimensions. One of them is Individualism vs. Collectivism
Individualism vs. collectivism - individualism is contrasted with collectivism, and refers to the extent to which people are expected to stand up for themselves and to choose their own affiliations, or alternatively act predominantly as a member of a life-long group or organization. Latin American cultures rank among the lowest in this category, while the U.S.A. is one of the most individualistic cultures.
- From the wikipedia entry on Hofstede
I am usually in favor of balance. Not too much, not too little. It would seem that American culture is unbalanced in relation to individualism. The Marlboro Man is more iconic than ummm... do Americans have any collectivist icons? A little unbalanced we are.
This strong individualism shows up in creativity and heroism. It also shows up in narcissism and disenfranchisement.
The effects of this cultural trait are visible in the American church in the phenomena of Mega-churches. Strongly individualist Americans who have no idea how to create community can have the sense of community without the responsibilities by joining their 5000 close personal friends each Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00.
No, I’m not bashing Mega-churches
Yes, I think it’s better than no church at all
I know that most large churches try to connect people in small groups.
It’s just an observation, if it bugs you maybe you should think about why it does.
Individualism vs. collectivism - individualism is contrasted with collectivism, and refers to the extent to which people are expected to stand up for themselves and to choose their own affiliations, or alternatively act predominantly as a member of a life-long group or organization. Latin American cultures rank among the lowest in this category, while the U.S.A. is one of the most individualistic cultures.
- From the wikipedia entry on Hofstede
I am usually in favor of balance. Not too much, not too little. It would seem that American culture is unbalanced in relation to individualism. The Marlboro Man is more iconic than ummm... do Americans have any collectivist icons? A little unbalanced we are.
This strong individualism shows up in creativity and heroism. It also shows up in narcissism and disenfranchisement.
The effects of this cultural trait are visible in the American church in the phenomena of Mega-churches. Strongly individualist Americans who have no idea how to create community can have the sense of community without the responsibilities by joining their 5000 close personal friends each Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00.
No, I’m not bashing Mega-churches
Yes, I think it’s better than no church at all
I know that most large churches try to connect people in small groups.
It’s just an observation, if it bugs you maybe you should think about why it does.