Individualism-collectivism across three age groups: Younger, middle-aged, and older adults

Abstract

Individualism - collectivism, one of the key cultural dimensions, refers to the degree to which individuals prioritize group goals over their own. This study aimed to clarify individualism and collectivism across three age groups. The individualism - collectivism scale developed by Triandis et al. was used to survey 306 residents living in Hanoi. The results showed that, although collectivism remained more prominent, individualism, especially horizontal individualism, was also relatively high. Older adults showed a stronger orientation toward collectivist values while still emphasizing independence and hierarchy within their groups. Middle-aged adults emphasized vertical collectivism, with strong family ties and respect for group decisions. Younger adults, while also endorsing collectivism, affirmed the equality and independence characteristic of horizontal individualism. These findings may reflect a shift from traditional values rooted in village life toward values of equality and independence in contemporary social relationships. They also point to the intertwining and flexibility of individualist and collectivist values, and to the need to accept differences in values across generations today.