Why are most Asian cultures characterised as collectivistic?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → The boundary between self and others is shifting thus at times fusing with the cosmos and at other times fully withdrawn.

The most important difference between the Indian (Asian) and the Western views of self is the way the boundary is drawn between the self and the other.

Option (1) The boundary between self and others is relatively fixed. — Incorrect. A relatively fixed boundary is the Western view, which keeps the individual separate and goes with individualistic cultures.

Option (2) The boundary between self and others is shifting ... — Correct. The Indian view of self has a shifting boundary: at one moment the self expands to fuse with the cosmos or include others, at the next it is completely withdrawn and focused on the individual self. So the self is not separated from its group; both remain in harmonious co-existence, which is why many Asian cultures are characterised as collectivistic.

Option (3) Clear dichotomies between man and nature. — Incorrect. It is the Western view that holds clear dichotomies between self and other, man and nature, subjective and objective. The Indian view does not make such clear dichotomies.

Option (4) The self and the group exist as two different entities remaining at a distance. — Incorrect. In the Western culture the self and the group exist as two different entities with fixed boundaries and often remain at a distance. That is why Western cultures are called individualistic.

NCERT (2025-26): “Culture and Self … The most important distinction between the Indian and the Western views is the way the boundary is drawn between the self and the other. In the Western view, this boundary appears to be relatively fixed. The Indian view of self, on the other hand, is characterised by the shifting nature of this boundary. Thus, our self at one moment of time expands to fuse with the cosmos or include the others. But at the next moment, it seems to be completely withdrawn from it and focused fully on individual self (e.g., our personal needs or goals). The Western view seems to hold clear dichotomies between self and other, man and nature, subjective and objective. The Indian view does not make such clear dichotomies. Figure 2.1 illustrates this relationship. In the Western culture, the self and the group exist as two different entities with clearly defined boundaries. Individual members of the group maintain their individuality. In the Indian culture, the self is generally not separated from one’s own group; rather both remain in a state of harmonious co-existence. In the Western culture, on the other hand, they often remain at a distance. That is why many Western cultures are characterised as individualistic, whereas many Asian cultures are characterised as collectivistic.”