In which cultural context are society's goals prioritized over personal goals?

The focus on society's goals over personal goals is a hallmark of a collectivist culture. In collectivist societies, individuals are typically seen as part of a larger group, such as a family, community, or nation. The well-being and goals of the group take precedence over the preferences or desires of the individual. This cultural framework emphasizes interdependence and social harmony, leading individuals to prioritize the needs of the community and conform to group norms.

In contrast, individualist cultures place a strong emphasis on personal autonomy, self-expression, and individual achievements. People in these cultures are more likely to pursue their personal goals even if they conflict with group objectives. Universalist cultures, while promoting common principles across different societies, may not inherently prioritize societal goals over individual goals in the same way as collectivist cultures do. Similarly, the notion of global culture encompasses shared practices and values across the globe but doesn’t specifically align with the prioritization of group goals over individual aspirations. Thus, the emphasis on societal goals characterizes the essence of collectivist cultures distinctly.