Individualism In Canada

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Citizens hold many responsibilities and roles in a society in order to maintain a liberal democracy. Depending on their ideology, many citizens may have different views on this issue. In a society, individuals often have to consider the interests of the collective in regards to their wants and needs. This issue can be linked to freedom versus security. Due to the fact that this issue could be approached in many ways, the belief in freedom over security or security over freedom ties with collectivist and individualist values. The needs and wants of Canadians are linked to liberalism as it communicates the principles of individual rights and freedoms, rule of law, and self-interest. To pursue the needs and wants of Canadians would be individual …show more content…
For this matter, collectivists would respond with the idea of having citizens consider the common good. On the other hand, individualists would respond with pursuing one’s freedom and interests to benefit the collective. Individualists would argue with the theory of the “Invisible Hand”—a secured and happy individual would inadvertently benefit all members of society. Citizen 1 would be considered as a collectivist as they believe in prioritizing the collective first for “individual citizens do not always know what is best for them”. Low voter turnout due to voter competency would be an example of Citizen 1’s idea. Individuals often do not vote due to having little knowledge in politics. Citizen 1 believes that more government control would benefit individuals and would lead to their freedom. Citizen 2 believes in a balance of government control and individual freedom. Citizen 2 also believes in equality for all. The Second Citizen’s idea communicate the principle of economic equality and the idea of common good. Citizen 3 would be considered an individualist as they believe in the principles of liberalism and in individual freedom. They believe that government services do not create any incentives in citizens. As stated before, individuals approach this issue with the idea of freedom versus security in mind. Many individuals would prefer more security over freedom which is why they would act more on collectivist values. Other individuals act on individualist values for they prefer freedom over