You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on individualism, with people prioritizing their personal goals and desires over collective interests. Is this is a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. 

Write at least 250 words.

It is a fact that more and more people in the modern world are focusing on their personal interests over the social interests. Whilst in the personal perspective, this is positive, in the community’s perspective, it appears to be negative.

When analysing the matter from the individual’s perspective, the world is more competitive than that was in the past. Hence, provided that an individual is not focusing on his personal goals, he would feel that he is a loser. For example, in the job sector, where the competition at its peak, it would be an unwise move if a job seeker does not emphasis on the concept of individualism. Similarly, in order to prevent traffic congestion and pollution, there are not many people would cease using their private cars. In the first case, he would benefit by money and job security, while in the second he would secure his privacy and comfort.

However, when analysed from the wider society’s perspective, growing selfishness is a great concern. The worst aspect is that the human beings are transforming their life to a secluded style when compared to a much social life style, which was prevalent in the past. This results in lack of empathy and co-operation among the society members. Another concern is the slower pace of society’s development. To be precise, in places where individualism prevails, there is a lack of social harmony and unity, which hinders many prospective plans which would benefit the society. Many incidences were reported when developments such as a shopping mall or a fuel station were objected by the proximal residents raising concerns of their privacy and security.

To conclude, when emphasis of individualism has some desirable outcomes to the individuals, for a progressive society, it is not a good idea.

BAND SCORE: 6.5