This week for the Gen Z Perspective chat on Outside the Box, I (Erin the Intern) wanted to discuss individual-based vs community-based societies.
Think about your friends you call to party and have a good time, and then think about your friends you call when you need a ride home from the airport, or you just need someone to talk to after a rough day. While both are valuable, if you had to choose between a world full of party friends and a world full of dependable friends, what would you choose?
Though I cannot prove it, it seems logical to assume that people living in societies that value community interaction where people connect and bond with each other probably feel more fulfilled.
Consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, you know, the triangle starting with “physiological needs” at the bottom and working up to “self-actualization” at the very top. One must fulfill each need before moving up the pyramid; in other words, one cannot achieve esteem needs and self-actualization until you have fulfilled your physiological needs, safety needs, and belongingness and love needs, respectively.
Its pretty interesting seeing Maslows hierarchy of needs in real time - as bad things happen and you descend the pyramid all of the intellectual pursuits and self actualization becomes inconceivable pic.twitter.com/LlSUaFCoyN
— Samswara (@samswoora) January 3, 2023
Is it possible that people who live in a society that focuses more on the individual rather than the collective good might not be fulfilling their belongingness and love needs?
Now consider the Covid lockdowns. Many people have bounced back since then, but I think it is safe to say that the usual interactions with community members changed after we were all sent home from school and work.
Many people chimed in to add to the conversation, so if you would like to listen, click the player at the top of the page and start listening at 43 minutes.
[ Spreaker: Outside The Box ] [ X:Samswoora ]
