October 20th, 2009 Focus Question Breanna Nielsen

Analysis of Source 1

In the article, “An Elder offers advice”, Mary Anulik Kutsiq portrays the past and present

lives of the Inuit people related to collectivism and individualism. It is understood that in the

past, the Inuit community lived collectively by sharing food, even when there was not a lot to

begin with, cutting meat and bread evenly to distribute to the whole community, as well as

brewing tea in a large community pot in order for each person to have a cup. The Inuit’s

collectivist actions demonstrate that they follow principals of collective interest, collective

responsibility, economic equality, collective norms, cooperation, and the common good of their

community. These ideologies develop the Author’s belief of the importance of cooperation, and

working together for the common good.

The Inuit’s expression of collectivism in their community can be compared to the

ideology of modern liberalism and the concept of a welfare state. A welfare state follows a

capitalist economy and uses policies that ensure economic stability and a basic standard of

living for its citizens. This concept is followed by the Inuit community, because despite any

circumstances, they always insure that the community as a whole has enough food to survive,

allowing each individual to have a sense of security.

As a comparison, the Inuit population grows and the people become separated. Their

community turns into an individualist community and follows an “every man for themselves”

concept. This can be related to the ideology of Classical liberalism, and self interest. The author

states that people in the community are becoming self centered and too involved with their

October 20th, 2009 Focus Question Breanna Nielsen

own problems to help others, demonstrating the new individualist and self interest approach

taken by the Inuit.

Analysis of Source 2

The cartoon which displays a working class man talking to a beggar who states, “In my

day, bears worked for their honey”, demonstrates that in the past, a more individualist

approach was made. The cartoon still portrays the concept of individualism presently by

displaying economic freedom, through the diversity of the working class and the beggar, as well

as supports the ideology of classical liberalism, including self interest and competition.

However, a collectivist approach is made through modern liberalism by welfare state, the

concept of supplying a basic standard of living and economic stability. This ideology is

demonstrated by the beggar, because although he may not be working, he is still supported by

the collective community through donations and programs for the poor.

Comparison of the Two Sources

As a comparison, the two sources include principals related to individualism and

collectivism, as well as including welfare state, self interest, competition, and the common

good. The difference between the two sources is that the first source included ideas of

Collective responsibility, economic equality, collective interest and cooperation, where as the

second source included ideas of economic freedom.

October 20th, 2009 Focus Question Breanna Nielsen