Collectivism

Introduction: When "We" Becomes the Glory of "I"

In China, you might notice an interesting phenomenon: when a Chinese person wins an international award, the media and the public often emphasize their place of origin, such as "Henan-born scientist wins Nobel Prize." This phenomenon of tying personal achievements to a specific region not only reflects China's deep-rooted collectivist tradition but also reveals the unique manifestations of nationalism in modern society.

For foreigners, understanding Chinese collectivism and nationalism is not only a key to understanding Chinese society but also an important way to gain insight into the behavioral logic of the Chinese people. This article will delve into the roots, manifestations, and impacts of Chinese-style collectivism and nationalism on individuals and society from five perspectives: phenomenon observation, historical motivations, psychological interpretation, pros and cons analysis, and paths for change.

I. Phenomenon Observation: Typical Manifestations of Collectivism and Nationalism

  1. Regional Labeling: Others' Achievements Are My Glory
    In China, personal achievements are often imbued with collective significance. The media and the public are accustomed to tying the success of individuals to their place of origin, a phenomenon known as "regional labeling." For example, when a scientist wins an international award, the media headline might read, "Henan-born scientist wins Nobel Prize," rather than simply reporting the individual's achievement.

    Typical Cases:

    • After an entrepreneur topped the Forbes rich list, their hometown quickly became an internet-famous check-in spot, and the local government even established a memorial hall for them.
    • After an athlete won an international competition, housing prices in their birthplace skyrocketed overnight, with locals proudly declaring, "This is the pride of our village."

  2. Nationalism Performance: Identity Through Virtual Participation
    In 2023, a group of wealthy young people in Shanghai organized a luxury car parade to show off "China's strength" to Korean tourists. This act sparked heated discussions online, particularly among low-income groups, who enthusiastically praised it as "winning glory for the nation." However, this "glory-seeking" behavior had little to do with the lives of ordinary people, yet it allowed low-income individuals to gain a sense of identity through virtual participation.

    Typical Cases:

    • An internet celebrity showcased luxury goods in an overseas livestream, with comments flooding in like, "Chinese people are so rich" and "winning glory for the nation."
    • After a brand achieved success in the international market, consumers rushed to buy its products, claiming, "Supporting domestic brands is patriotism."

  3. Preference for Collective Action: From Business to Society
    In China, collective action is not only a cultural tradition but also a social habit. Whether it is government-led "group going global" initiatives or community group buying during the pandemic, the Chinese preference for collective action is evident. However, this preference often leads to blind followership and diffusion of responsibility.

    Typical Cases:

    • A local government organized businesses to "go global as a group," but internal competition led to project failure.
    • During the pandemic, community group buying demonstrated mutual aid but also exposed issues of blind followership, with some residents hoarding unnecessary supplies.

II. Deep-Seated Motivations: The Interweaving of History and Reality

  1. Legacy of Agrarian Civilization: The Tradition of Collective Survival
    China has long been a society rooted in agrarian civilization, where clan and geographical ties were central to maintaining social order. In this context, individual achievements were often seen as collective honors, while collective failures were attributed to individuals. This tradition was further reinforced by the imperial examination system, where personal success was tied to the honor of one's family and region.

  2. Modern Historical Shaping: Collectivism as a Necessity for Survival
    In modern history, collectivism became essential for the survival and development of Chinese society. The national mobilization during the Anti-Japanese War and the work unit system of the planned economy era strengthened collective belonging. Even after the reform and opening-up, collectivism continued to play a significant role in social governance and economic development.

  3. Rebound Under Globalization: The Rise of Nationalism
    With China's economic rise and the deepening of globalization, nationalism has become an important tool for coping with external pressures. Whether it is the "domestic product wave" during the Sino-US trade war or the "winning glory for the nation" in international competitions, nationalism has demonstrated its powerful influence in contemporary China.

III. Psychological Interpretation: From Le Bon to Modern Group Theory

  1. Core Ideas of The Crowd
    French social psychologist Gustave Le Bon, in his book The Crowd, pointed out that group psychology is characterized by emotionality, suggestibility, and a decline in moral standards. In China, this group psychology manifests as irrational behavior under collective excitement, such as smashing and looting during boycotts of foreign goods.

  2. Social Identity Theory: Collective Identity and Self-Worth
    Social identity theory suggests that individuals gain a sense of self-worth through collective identity. In China, this theory explains why low-income groups show great enthusiasm for the luxury consumption of the wealthy, even viewing it as "winning glory for the nation."

  3. Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Psychological Compensation Through Virtual Identity
    Cognitive dissonance theory posits that when an individual's actions are inconsistent with their beliefs, psychological discomfort arises. In China, low-income groups alleviate their economic pressures by identifying with the luxury consumption of the wealthy, gaining a form of virtual psychological compensation.

IV. Pros and Cons Analysis: The Double-Edged Sword of Collectivism

  1. Positive Effects: Social Cohesion and Economic Development Momentum

    • Social cohesion: The nationwide rescue efforts after the Wenchuan earthquake and community mutual aid during the pandemic exemplify the positive role of collectivism in social crises.
    • Economic development momentum: Local government-led industrial cluster development and the "Belt and Road" initiative's group going global efforts benefit from the push of collectivism.

  2. Negative Effects: The Erosion of Individual Value and the Spread of Irrational Behavior

    • Erosion of individual value: In educational and work environments, excessive emphasis on collectivism often suppresses individuality and creativity.
    • Spread of irrational behavior: Issues such as online violence and poor decision-making are related to the diffusion of responsibility under collectivism.

V. Paths for Change: From Collective Delusion to Individual Awakening

  1. Cognitive Level: Distinguishing Collective Honor from Individual Value

    • Case: An athlete refused to attribute their success to "hometown cultivation" in the media, emphasizing personal effort instead.

  2. Action Level: Cultivating Independent Personality and Pluralistic Identity

    • Practice: Participating in volunteer services while maintaining independent thinking within a collective.
    • Case: A young person who loves traditional culture while appreciating Western art, forming an open mindset.

  3. Social Level: Educational Reform and Media Responsibility

    • Educational reform: Promoting personality development and critical thinking courses in primary and secondary schools.
    • Media responsibility: Reducing regional labeling in reporting and focusing on individual stories.

Conclusion: Finding Balance Between the Collective and the Individual

Collectivism and nationalism are both historical choices and practical necessities, but excessive emphasis on the collective can easily lead to the loss of individuality. True progress lies in being able to draw strength from the collective while maintaining clarity within the group. As Lu Xun said, "May the youth of China break free from the cold air and simply move upward." This upward movement requires both the support of the collective and the awakening of the individual.