Individualism has gone global and more people are living alone and value their friends. This is not only true for the United States, it is true for most people in the world. For a long time, there has been a steady move away from family ties and more people are going out on their own to make their own way. Self expression and personal choice are two things that are a part of this change.
Key Takeaways:
- Individualistic people tend towards an appreciation of the individual, with a preference for bonds based on personality, rather than abiding by age-old collectivism and bonds based on heritage.
- While these types of people are not uncommon in western society, studies are showing them to be popping up worldwide.
- To arrive at their conclusion researchers poured through 51 years of written material, encompassing 78 nations.
“The finding of a trend toward valuing friends over family is especially noteworthy, at a time when traditional ties such as marriage and family continue to be extravagantly celebrated and rewarded, even in some of the wealthiest nations.”