CultureJuly 15, 2026
collectivism
/kəˈlɛktɪvɪzəm/
Definition
A social or political principle that prioritizes the goals, needs, and responsibilities of the community over those of the individual.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'collectivus', meaning gathered together, combined with the suffix '-ism'. It emerged in the 19th century to describe economic and social systems that emphasize group or state ownership and cooperation.
In the news
In the article, South Korea leverages the cultural value of collectivism to encourage citizens to participate in community-based food waste reduction programs. This shared sense of responsibility helps align individual actions with national sustainability goals.
4 Asian markets that beat cultural barriers to cut food waste
Read the full article ↗FoodNavigator.com