Individuality in a Relational Culture

This chapter discusses a comparative analysis of the traditional Western view of the self, with two more relational views of self found in the Balinese and the Australian Aboriginal cultures. It shows that the Australian Aboriginal values autonomy, and, at least conceptually, values individuality in a deeper sense than do Western individualists. The chapter argues that there are different kinds of collectivisms, and Western view of collectivist cultures tends not only to be monochromatic, but also takes such an extreme position as to become paradigmatic. It aims to describe two basic concepts in the Western view of personhood: atomism and an essential human nature. The modern’ notion of a unitary, individual self has been heavily criticized by Western philosophers. The chapter suggests that the Australian Aboriginal concept of self, as opposed to the atomistic Western notions of self, is a profoundly relational view

Sociology · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Psychology

• The other side of the story

  Open Access•Anne Marie Monchamp•Memory Studies•2010

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