Are You More of an Individualist or Collectivist?

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Are You More of an Individualist or Collectivist?
Image: We Are/DigitalVision/Getty Images

About This Quiz

An individualist is someone who advocates for the freedoms of the individual, versus a collectivist who thinks a group of people or government should have priority over any individual. Neither is necessarily right or wrong; it's just a matter of what is more important to you. In a collectivist culture, those who are part of it do things that benefit the entire group and not just themselves. But there can also be collectivist governments that tend to be a little more related to communism. The ideals are the same, but in a government setting, it's a bit more strict and serious.

People view individualists to be selfish and self-serving, but that's not necessarily the case. A person can practice individualism and still care about the well being of others. Maybe they think that they are helping the greater society by helping themselves. The more successful they are, the more they can contribute to society and create that sort of chain reaction. An individualist is free to live a life completely of their own will without having to think of anyone else, but it doesn't mean they don't. Knowing the difference between collectivism and individualism, which do you think you are? Take this quiz to find out!

When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you think of?
Who else is awake?
I need coffee.
What I'm going to make for breakfast
What I'm going to wear

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Are you the kind of person to do one thing at a time or juggle multiple things?
I multi-task.
I like to finish one thing before moving on to another.
I always have a lot going on.
Usually one at a time, but I can handle more if I have to.

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When you're in the middle of something and someone interrupts you, how do you react?
I see what they need.
Tell them I'm busy
Ask if they can wait a second
Try to finish my thought before acknowledging them

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Should work and your personal life ever overlap?
Absolutely
They should be kept separate.
A little overlap can't hurt.
Never

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Do you find yourself changing plans as often as you make them?
If I make a plan, I stick to it.
I do what I need to do.
I'll change it if it makes it easier for everyone.
I do try to get out of things.

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When you do change plans, do you feel guilty about it?
Only if it negatively impacts people
Not usually
Depends on the plan
Maybe for a second

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If there is a time you are supposed to be somewhere, do you make sure to show up at that time?
On time or a little early
I get there when I get there.
I try my hardest.
People know I always run late.

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Do you respect others' privacy and personal space?
I could be better at that.
I leave people alone.
I can be pushy.
If they do the same to me

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Are most of your relationships long term or short term?
Long term
Short term
I've had both.
Probably more short term if I had to choose

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Do you often sacrifice what you want to please the group?
Very often
I don't do that.
I usually don't care either way.
I have before but I don't make a habit of it.

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How did you feel about group projects in school?
I loved them.
I would rather work by myself.
They can be good if you're with the right people.
I didn't prefer them, but I could get through them.

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If in a group project people aren't pulling their weight, are you the one picking up the slack?
Always
No way
I want a good grade, so yes.
Depends on the project

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Is alone time really important to you?
Not particularly
The most important
I need it every once in a while.
I'd rather be by myself.

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Would you lie to protect someone from getting in trouble?
That would be my first instinct.
Probably not
I'd strongly consider it.
Maybe if it was a family member

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Is it easy for you to make friends?
So easy
Maybe if I tried more
I can get along with almost anyone.
I wish it were easier.

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Is it important to you to stand out in a crowd?
I like to blend in.
It's very important.
It really depends on the crowd.
When I'm in the right mood

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When someone upsets you or does something you don't like, do you confront them?
I usually don't.
If it's something I really care about I will.
Not by myself
I have no problem with confrontation.

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Would you do anything that disrupts an established dynamic?
Probably not
That sounds fun.
If I thought it was worth it.
Let's shake things up!

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How much do you think individual freedoms should be restricted?
When they negatively impact a group
Never
When it comes to legality
Not very much

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Do you think that higher education should be free for everyone?
Absolutely
Not everyone
Only those in a certain tax bracket
Not at all

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In current times, do you feel like the government has too much control over the people?
Nope
Way too much
It's just enough control.
The people should have power over the government.

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Are you capable of taking responsibility for your actions whether they are good or bad?
It's not usually just my responsibility.
Very capable
I can if I have to.
That's a big part of being a person.

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Who do you rely on to make sure you have everything you need?
Society
Myself
A bunch of people
Those close to me

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Do you think it's fair for taxes to be higher for those who make a certain amount of money?
Everyone should be taxed the same.
What do I care?
That makes sense.
As long as that person isn't me

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Are women's rights human rights?
Everyone should have the same rights.
Women should be able to do whatever they want.
They sure are.
Women's rights issues don't really affect me.

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Is it accurate to say that parents are 100% responsible for how their kids turn out?
Sounds about right
No way
It is mostly the parents' doing.
Up to a certain age

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How do the things you do everyday impact society as a whole?
Too many ways to list
They don't.
Economically mostly
I just mind my own business.

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How do you normally form your opinions?
I get a lot of input.
From my own head
Based on others
I use my life experiences.

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Do you actually enjoy being around people on a regular basis?
I thrive on it.
I could live without people.
In small doses
Not really

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When you go to make a decision, what do you think of before you do it?
How it will impact others
How it will impact me
Who will benefit from it
If I will benefit from it

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