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Collectivism, in general, is a term used to describe a theoretical or practical emphasis on the group, as opposed to (and seen by its opponents to be at the expense of) the individual. It is thus directly opposed to individualism, although many collectivists also derive their philosophy from a concern for the well being of the individual.
Very few people use the term "collectivism" to identify themselves. Frequently, it is used by self-described opponents of collectivism, who brand their political enemies as "collectivists". As a result, collectivism can be seen as a pejorative term. This article, however, attempts to discuss collectivism as a commmon theme that spans a broad category of non-individualistic philosophies, many of which are significantly different from each other.
Collectivists state that the good of the group is more important than the good of the individual, however, some may go on to say that since any group is ultimately made up of individuals, the individual happens to serve his own interests by serving the group's interests (in other words, as the group prospers, all members of the group prosper). Collectivism may also be associated with altruism.
There is much baggage with the term collectivism, and it is considered diametrically opposed to individualism. Both collectivism and individualism are interpreted differently by different people. In some cases, the same people may characterize themselves as both individualists and collectivists, depending on the situation. Anarchists, for example, are "individualists" in the sense that they believe in the absolute sovereignty of the individual, but "collectivists" in the sense that they believe a free society must abolish private property and that the best form of organization for free individuals would be communes.
Some political collectivists hold that different groups have competing interests, and that the individual's interests and characteristics are in fact tied up with the interests and characteristics of his or her group. In this line of thought, differences between groups are considered more significant than differences between individuals within groups.
Other political collectivists emphasize the notions of equality and solidarity, and see all human beings as part of the same group, with common interests. They maintain that competition and rivalry between individuals or smaller groups is overall counter-productive or detrimental, and should therefore be replaced with some form of cooperation.
There are also collectivists who combine the two views presented above, arguing, for example, that the present-day situation is the one presented in the first view (there are several competing groups), but that we should strive to reach the situation presented in the second view (one large cooperating group).
Since collectivism is a very broad category, it is very difficult to define what exactly constitutes a "collectivist" position on a certain issue. However, generally speaking, collectivism in the field of economics holds that capital and land should be owned by the group (and presumably used for the benefit of all) rather than being owned by individuals. Central to this view is the concept of the commons, as opposed to private property. Often, collectivists argue that many (perhaps all) valued commodities are public goods, and are difficult to, or should not be privatized, such as environmental goods , national defense, law enforcement and information goods.
Relying on individual choice for the provision of public goods is seen to lead to market failureIn economics, a market failure is a case in which a market fails to efficiently provide or allocate goods and services. More generally, market failure refers to situations where market forces do not serve the perceived "public interest. Economists use mod and the free rider problemIn the analyses of economics and political science, free riders are actors who take more than their fair share of the benefits or do not shoulder their fair share of the costs of their use of a resource, involvement in a project, etc. The free rider probl. Collective actionThe economic theory of Collective action is concerned with the provision of public goods (and other collective consumption) through the collaboration of two or more individuals, and the impact of externalities on group behavior. The foundational work in c, enforced by authorities, social pressure or coercion, is thus seen to be the only reliable means of ensuring a supply of a public good.
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