Collectivism vs. Individualism and Health in Japan

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're probably well aware that COVID-19 doesn't seem to be disappearing any time soon. Back in my home state of Victoria, Australia, there's been a surge of cases in the last week or so that has seen various postcodes placed into lockdown again. My husband's home of the United States...well, let's not talk about those numbers. Here in Japan, there have been increases, but on the whole based on population most would say we're doing okay.

Many news outlets across the globe have lauded Japan's COVID response, and much of that praise has been heaped on the way society functions here. Back before corona was known as a beer rather than a virus, folks here had no issues wearing a mask - it's seen as something done for the collective good of others. After all, what kind of jerk wants to cram themselves onto a packed train, coughing and spluttering, spreading those germs to others?

Well - maybe you'd be surprised! You may have heard of the difference between individualistic cultures and collectivist cultures, but if you haven't here's a bit of a rundown.

An individualistic culture is where, as the name implies, a focus is put on the individual. Things like personal identity and maintaining your own independence are emphasized in these cultures.

A collectivist culture is where the focus is placed on the group as a whole. Factors like unity and societal harmony are prioritized, and decisions are made with more than just the individual's feelings in mind.

Maybe you can already see where I'm going with this - what do these cultural differences have to do with health? Most researchers would say that Japan is a collectivist culture, and people here tend to wear masks not to protect themselves, but to spare others getting sick in their community. Conversely, Australia and the United States are seen as individualistic cultures - which is why you may have heard news reports about people refusing to wear masks because it infringes on their "freedoms".

Despite growing up and spending almost all of my twenties in a country that would be seen as individualistic, I'd have to say that my personal preference is much more collectivist in nature now - I guess I equate individualism with selfishness to a degree in times like these. Of course, it's great to be able to express yourself, to feel like you're independent, and can make your own decisions - there's no denying that. I guess as I've grown older and matured though, I realize that life is about more than just me and my feelings - so in the current climate, you'll see me proudly sporting my mask whenever I'm around others.