Question

1. Discuss the relationships between Familistic (communal) values and self individualistic (self fulfillment) values.

1b. what are the benefits and conflicts of these value systems on personal choices

Answer 1

The relationship between these two different value systems has been analyzed below. The gap between the Familistic (Communal) values and self individualistic (self-fulfillment) values is quite drastic.

Familistic (Communal) values refer to those values which promote and give priority to family wellbeing over individual interests. These values put the priority on the need and requirements of the family as a whole instead of individuals. In a nutshell, it can be said that Familistic (Communal) values give emphasis on the need, goals, and requirements of the group as a whole. Few examples of such familistic values are-

• family togetherness
• stability of family
• loyalty towards family as a whole
• maintaining family identity  

On the other hand, self individualistic (self-fulfillment) values refer to those values that promote the wellbeing of individuals and do not give priority to the family.  These values promote the happiness and fulfillment of individuals. These values encourage an individual to think in terms of his/her personal happiness, achievements, goals, and needs instead of as a group. These values argue in favor of a unique individual identity. These values give more emphasis on the expression of the benefits of individuals. Few examples of such self individualistic (self-fulfillment) values are-

• focus on self-fulfillment
• focus on personal growth
• autonomy
• independence from the family commitment etc.

Now coming to the second part of the question that what are the benefits and conflicts of these value systems on personal choices it can be said that both of them have some benefits and some drawbacks. For example, Familistic (Communal) values promote stability in society, compassion among the individuals, a well-round development of the personality of individuals and give a sense of belongingness to the people but it also undermines the hidden talent of individuals, promotes conflict among the different members of a family and could create serious impediments in the development and modernization of society. Similarly, self individualistic (self-fulfillment) values do have some advantages like it promotes and harnesses the hidden talents of individuals, gives autonomy and independence to individuals, freedom of choice, etc. while at the same time it also promotes loneliness among the individuals which causes a lot of psychological issues, people become self-centered and selfish in nature and people don't respect their elder parents and some people even left their older parents in old age homes.

Following any one of these value systems may have serious repercussions and can pose serious threats to the stability of any society. So considering both the advantages and disadvantages of both of these value systems, one must create a balance between these value systems and follow both of them in a prudent manner.

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