Does a worsening economy turn people to individualism? Is it difficult to really say a population is individualist or collectivist when everyone is acting rationally to help themselves and survive?
I remember vaguely in political science courses just touching on how the USA is an individualistic country, while China is collectivist. Never thought much of it. But why? Of course Chinas government plays a hand and the general culture pushes collectivism. But it’s a more poor country than the USA(for now) and the population is collectivist.
The US is wierd though. The US government promotes both individualism and collectivism. Its media and government promotes elements of both.
Could it be argued that with a more expensive economy, people are just like screw it I don’t care about my fellow man and vote not to have social welfare programs or things that would improve other people’s lives?
But for example, look at the southern republican states. They are regarded as hospitable and friendly but consistently vote in a manor that is all for the individual and screws everyone else. (Tax cuts for themselves and reduce spending on poor or free school lunches )