INDIVIDUALISM

IN
AMERICAN EDUCATION

AT S C H O O L
AT H O M E
 I. AT SCHOOL

1. Teacher attempts to reduce the power

 Be called by the first name
 Bend down or squat to speak to the child
 Ask polite questions to give advice or command.
Eg: - “It is wrong”  “Do you think that was right for you
to do that?
- “ Sit down”  “Would you like to sit down, Jenny?”
 I. AT SCHOOL

2. Self – expression is promoted in school systems.

Students are encourage to talk about themselves

Students are more engaged in discussion and arguments.

Students work independently, focus on their own needs.

“Helping others could be considered cheating.”

 II. AT HOME

At the earliest age, children are encouraged and

motivated to develop individual identity,
achievement and responsibility.
 II. AT HOME

1. Sleep solitary
 Newborn babies have their own room and crib
Self-regulate & self-soothe
2. Feeding: a developmental milestone of independence
 Babies are encouraged to take part in the feeding
process as soon as possible
The inevitable mess is just a part of the process
 Achievement supports the feeling of independence
 II. AT HOME

3. Spending time alone

 Sit in play seats with their toys

Rest and recover

 Desire for their own privacy

 II. AT HOME

4. Solving problems independently

 Children, in their adulthood, are discouraged from
requiring constant adult attention.

Make decision about their own lives: dating,

marriage, college education,…

 Be responsible for their own lives

 REFERENCES

• Kusserow. A. Western Education, Psychologized Individualism and

Home/School Tensions: An American Example. Retrieved at
http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/publicationFiles/ConferenceProcee
dings/4thGNH/25.4thGNH_AndrieKusserow.pdf
• Atkitson. A. Collectivism & Individualism in Education. Retrieved
at https://atkinsonediting.com/2016/09/17/collectivism-
individualism-in-education-may-2014/
• Hao. S. An analysis of American individualism culture. Retrieved at
https://haosuyawen.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/an-analysis-of-
american-individualism-culture/