Question

Post your response of a minimum of 200 words to the following questions (80 pts):

Which is your priority–independence or interdependence? Why? How much does your answer relate to your culture?  

Answer 1

Indpendence means not depending on another for livelihood or substinence: free from outside conrtrol. Interdependence is the dependence of two or more people or things on each other. As human beings, each of us have our private lives and public lives and this seems to be more pronounced as we grow older. Independence is a necessity when we want to pursue or individual goals whereas interdependence is inevitable as long as we are a part of a community/group such as family, institution, etc.

Some theorists support that culture can be characterized in terms of indi-vidualism and collectivism.The attributes associated with Individualism include autonomy, creativity, competition, and independence; collectivism is said to be reflected by familial obligations, duty, hierarchy, obedience, and interdependence. Some cultures are more independent wheres some are interdependent. This is partially influenced by the economy and development of the country as well. Western cultures are more independent as compared to eastern culture.

Attachment theory asserts that independence in development is an outcome of interdependence (secure attachment provides for independence and exploration). Traditional cultures have also demonstrated ways in which ‘‘collectivistic’’ individuals value and actively pursue personal goals and agendas. E.g. a man who dreamed of being an actor at a young age but was prevented from doing so by his parents; he put off his pursuit until age 55, at which time he retired from the family business and became a professional actor