individualism

/ɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/

/ɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/

Other forms: individualisms

Individualism is all about taking care of yourself; it is the belief and practice that every person is unique and self-reliant. A belief in individualism also implies that you believe that the government should bud out of your individual affairs.

The concept of individualism is rooted in historical contexts where people’s personal differences were dismissed or even punished by the ruling body. In particular, the United States is known for having a strong bent towards individualism because it was founded by people who sought the freedom to practice whatever religion they chose. The counterpoints to individualism are socialism and communism (among others). Those who prefer individualism often site fear of governmental control over their life decisions as reason for that inclination.

Definitions of individualism

1. noun

   the quality of being individual
   synonyms: individuality, individuation

   types:

   singularity, uniqueness

   the quality of being one of a kind

   distinctiveness, peculiarity, speciality, specialness, specialty

   a distinguishing trait

   foible, idiosyncrasy, mannerism

   a minor weakness or peculiarity in someone's character

   type of:

   trait

   a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
2. noun

   a belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue of self-reliance and personal independence
   types:

   rugged individualism

   individualism in social and economic affairs; belief not only in personal liberty and self-reliance but also in free competition

   type of:

   belief

   any cognitive content held as true
3. noun

   the doctrine that government should not interfere in commercial affairs
   synonyms: laissez faire

   type of:

   doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought

   a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school