Article
All in this Together
ID # 3765
Based off of the Hofstede definitions of collectivism and individualism, Uganda seems to be more of a collectivist society. Traditionally, the African familial system is based off family and tribal connections. The kinship system is set up in a way in which everyone helps each other, no matter if they are members of the exact same bloodline or not. Behaviors of Ugandans are still like this today. When I was there volunteering at an orphanage, I was able to witness collectivism first hand. Most of the orphans were not related to each other so it was amazing to see that they still acted as if they were. The older children especially took on mother/father roles to help out the younger children. Based on the environment of the orphanage which included a limited number of adult figures, the older kids just knew they must take on some responsibility. In the morning before school, they would have to make sure the younger children were ready before they could leave. Additionally, they gave the younger kids baths at the end of the day as soon as they returned to the orphanage and before they started their homework. While watching the Hofstede video with the woman from Poland describing collectivism in her country, I thought of every time I witnessed those certain behaviors in Uganda.
There is definitely more of a focus on people than systems of institutions. Although the institution of education is extremely important and pertinent in chance at a better life, family comes first. It is not more important than the people around you. Many of the kids had a desire to continue on to University study but knew that they would not be able to if there mom or other kids depended on them for survival. Thinking about collectivism and individualism in terms of my host country made me question the subject as it relates to the United States. I would say that as a whole our country is more on the individualistic end, but it is not exclusively individualistic. There are many people who come from collectivist backgrounds simply based on how they were raised. For example, there are many families who live in untraditionally households which may include a grandmother, aunt, uncle or cousin living with the immediate family. This can be a result of an array of reasons whether it is a familys financial situation, childcare or just because. Whether you come from a collectivist or individualistic society, both have positive aspects and are unique.
Further Uganda Resources:
Culture Kit:
Videos:
A Typical Day at New Hope Orphanage
Articles: