Individualism v Collectivism

• Introduction

  (Use the words of the question to structure this introduction)

  E.g.

  This essay will discuss collectivism and individualism and evaluate which approach that is more appropriate in government for modern UK.
• 1st Paragraph- Point & Expand for Collectivism (Inequality)

  Collectivists argue that inequality has grown under individualistic governments. Since individualistic governments tend to focus on policies that lower taxes and public spending meaning those struggling may be left behind.
• Collectivism Example & Analysis- Inequality

  Under the Conservative government food bank usage has increased by over 70% between 2015 and 2020. Collectivists would possibly be able to fix the rising inequality in the UK caused by individualistic Tories as poverty had been falling pre 2010 under Labour.
• Individualism Point & Expand- Inequality

  Individualists would argue that Collectivism has led to a dependency culture. If the government is always willing to provide a high level of services to the public, then people will expect the government to fund everything when some could be able to fund themselves.
• Individualism Example & Analysis- Inequality

  Collectivist government in Scotland now pay just over £500million for free personal care for the elderly, which are services many wealthy pensioners could pay themselves. Individualists would introduce policies such as tax cuts instead. There has been a long term argument that collectivists are "Nanny States" meaning the government are paying for everything meaning the people depend on them. Individualists argue why should pensioners get free care when they have the lowest poverty rating.
• 2nd Paragraph- Point & Expand for Collectivism (Welfare State)

  Collectivists argue that only the governement has the resources in society to move everyone forward and keep society functioning.The government are the only people powerful enough to ensure everyone in the country is supported.
• Collectivism Example & Analysis- Welfare State

  The UK spend £200billion a year on healthcare, the NHS is envied around the entire world even when it is struggling. Billions of this money is spent on preventative health measures such as breast screenings, vaccines.
• Point & Expand for Individualism- Welfare State


  Individualists believe that wealthfare state is too expensive, meaning taxes are too high as low taxes are an individualist priority. Everyone pays for the NHS and schools, but some people use private or both without gain which is unfair.
• Individualism Example & Analysis- Welfare State

  Free prescriptions cost Scotland £1billion while many do not use this service or do so only occasionally. Individualists believe this is too expensive as Collectivist government would have to raise taxes, however the NHS is very popular in the UK and protected from cuts from the Tories as they would suffer a lot of political damage if they tried.
• Link/ Evaluation- Welfare State

  Therefore, collectivism is widely supported in the UK due to the NHS, but many refuse to pay more taxes so the debates continue as to where limits should be introduced.
• 3rd Paragraph- Point & Expand for Collectivism (Emergencies)

  Collectivists tend to believe that in times of crisis most people at least temporarily become collectivists because only the government can help in these times. Only the government has the authority and resources to respond to crisis's.
• Collectivism Example & Analysis- Emergencies


  During Covid, the Tories became collectivists, Boris Johnson locked us down and Sunak created furlough, even when they are traditionally individualists. - shows that even individualists have to have collective approaches in emergencies.
• Point & Expand for Individualism- Emergencies


  Individualists believe local communities should be responsible for themselves. They would argue charities and community groups are better placed to help the people they know.
• Individualism Example & Analysis- Emergencies

  During Covid, more than a million people volunteered to support their communities and vulnerable people through organisations like Good Samaritans.Both approaches are acceptable as most other nations did similar to us during covid with lockdowns and vaccines which worked, however countries with more individualist responses with no lockdowns for example Sweden has a lower death rate than us.
• Link/Evaluation- Emergencies


  Therefore, collectivist government is the one to go to during crisis, but individualists argue that local efforts can also make a significant impact.
• Conclusion


  Overall, it is clear that the UK uses a mix of both individualism and collectivism approaches to support people therefore, arguments exist for the two theories. However, the UK is more collectivist swinging due to the NHS and Covid support.