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Concept

Individualization is a term used to describe a process toward 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.
In the West, the number of single-person and single-parent households is steadily on the rise.
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.
In some quarters there is a sense that the rise of individualism corresponds with the decline of community. Individualism is seen to have damaging consequences, as it fuels selfishness and greed or can lead to isolation and fear as people struggle to cope and live a fulfilling life alone.
Of course, surviving as an individual is easier in good economic times than in bad times. It remains to be seen how the economic downturn will affect individualism or promote togetherness.

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