Ralph Waldo Emerson is nowadays known as one of the foundational philosophers of individualism, mostly in the United States of America (though he has also influenced thoughts on individualism in...Show moreRalph Waldo Emerson is nowadays known as one of the foundational philosophers of individualism, mostly in the United States of America (though he has also influenced thoughts on individualism in Europe, e.g., Nietzsche). Common misinterpretations of Emerson’s self-reliance position him as promoting egocentric ideas of individualism. Examples of this can be found in the works of scholars Cary Wolfe (1993; 1994) and Myra Jehlen (1986). In this thesis I will examine the criticisms of Emerson and refute these by reading Emerson’s work through the lens of “individualism-collectivism”, as introduced by Wagner and Moch (1986). It is in this cooperation between the self and the other, the individual and the collective, that I will show Emerson can in fact be read as promoting collectivism alongside individualism. The introduction will give a brief overview of this thesis, including some background on critical scholars both within the field of literary analysis on Emerson, as well as providing the reader with some basic background information on individualism-collectivism-scholarship in philosophical and sociological research fields. Chapter one will focus on criticism of Nature and my reinterpretation of the essay where Emerson operates in the individualism-collectivist dimension. Chapter two will focus on “Self-Reliance” and how this truly individualist work can still be found to represent the collective in society. In the conclusion I will not only give the reader an overview of arguments made in this thesis, but also consider how this reading of Emerson can be relevant in contemporary society.Show less
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in individualism in South Korea. South Korea, like most East Asian countries, has been a collective society, which emphasises groups and...Show moreIn recent years, there has been an increasing interest in individualism in South Korea. South Korea, like most East Asian countries, has been a collective society, which emphasises groups and social networks. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Korea has been changing as especially a significant amount of the younger generation started undertaking actions on their own and enjoying these. These young people say they changed their behaviour for their own happiness. This paper will look at the causes of individualism and analyze individualistic behaviour through the drama Hon-sul-nam-nyŏ (Drinking Solo) which was released in 2016.Show less
This thesis aims to explore the link between the individual and the social structures to which they belong. By exploring the subject of Solidarity as a word and a concept used by politicians of...Show moreThis thesis aims to explore the link between the individual and the social structures to which they belong. By exploring the subject of Solidarity as a word and a concept used by politicians of both persuasions and cemented in various legal systems, we aim to form an understanding of difficulties which may emerge from structures both physically and organizationally distant from the individual.Show less
Since 1990s new tango trends have developed in Buenos Aires, remarkably after the crisis in 2001. Meanwhile, due to neoliberalism, polarisation is increasing in the Argentinean society with...Show moreSince 1990s new tango trends have developed in Buenos Aires, remarkably after the crisis in 2001. Meanwhile, due to neoliberalism, polarisation is increasing in the Argentinean society with individualistic traits. In need for a stronger sense of collectivism, local communities in the capital city are gathering people together in local bars making music. One of these music styles is worldwide-known and tourist-exploited tango genre. This thesis will analyse the narratives created by a contemporary tango band, Amores Tangos, to understand the process and significance of these music trends in Buenos Aires.Show less
