Concept
Individualisation is a term used to describe a process
towards a moral, political, or social outlook that stresses human
independence and the importance of individual self-reliance and liberty.
Individualists
promote the exercise of individual goals and desires. They oppose most
external interference with an individual’s choices whether by society,
the state, or any other group or institution.
Trajectory
Some
argue that individuals are not duty-bound to any socially imposed
morality and that individuals should be free to choose to be selfish (or
to choose any other lifestyle) if they so desire. Others would argue
that individualist goals are selfless so long as they do not harm
others.
A central value not just for Generation Y, but also for
Generation x, is self- reliance. This will become a more prevalent
societal value as the baby- boomer generation has passed. Of course,
surviving as an individual is easier in good economic times than in bad
times.
In some quarters there is a sense that the rise of
individualism corresponds with the decline of community. This argument
sees individualism as having damaging consequences, as it fuels
selfishness and greed or can lead to isolation and fear as people
struggle to cope and are forced to live alone.
Technology has and
is still enabling us to increasingly leading separate lives. It is
becoming increasingly easier to isolate ourselves physically from other
people at home or at work. At the same time, using evolving and
accelerating communications technology, we are becoming more connected
in other ways.
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