Moving from Cultures of Individualism to Cultures of Collectivism in Support of Students of Color

As described in detail by Museus and Harris (2010), a growing body of literature indicates that campus cultures shape college students’ experiences. Furthermore, the authors point out that research indicates that many college students of color face additional challenges adjusting to predominantly White institutions (PWIs) because their cultural norms and values vary from those of their campuses. Although many cultural variations have been identified among diverse groups and societies, one of the most promising differences that can aid in understanding disparities in college students’ success is the distinction between individualism and collectivism. Individualist societies tend to value independence, competition among members, emotional detachment from family and parents, individual attitudes and perspectives over group norms, and personal goals over the goals of the collective (Triandis, Chen, & Chan, 1998). Alternatively, collectivist societies value interdependence, group synchronization, emotional attachment to families or parents, societal norms over individuality, and the subordination of individual aspirations to the aspirations of the collective (Fox, Lowe, & McClellan, 2005; Triandis, Chen, & Chan, 1998).