The Distorting Lens of Psychology's Individualism and a Social Realist Alternative

Abstract

This chapter critiques the implicit bias in psychology favoring individualism, the view that individuals are separate, autonomous, and egocentric. Individualism is critiqued as theoretically and empirically flawed and supported by its ideological functions and the fact-value dichotomy. Nevertheless, individualism is pervasive and influential in psychological theory, research, and practice. A Social Realist Account is presented as an antidote to individualism in which humans are seen as inextricably embedded in personal and social relationships. Those relationships form the conditions in which individuals are constituted and shaped. Social embeddedness is apparent in the evolution and development of humans, particularly in the pervasive human division of labor and in the development of collective identity. Human well-being is premised on relationships with others and people pursue goals that are necessarily shared with others (e.g., friendship and democracy) every day. The conclusion is that psychological theory, research, and practice must be reformulated to situate in its proper social context to adequately understand human beings and to promote well-being.