ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine a key theoretical question concerning the cultural evolution of individualism and collectivism, namely, how individualism and collectivism emerged in the first place. From a socio-ecological perspective, we propose that (a) residential mobility tends to give rise to an individualistic ethos, and (b) this ethos, once established, creates a social system that perpetuates the mobility that produced it. We will first review the defining characteristics of individualism-collectivism and present historical foundations for individualism and collectivism. Then, we will review empirical evidence that supports our thesis that residential mobility plays an important role in the development of an individualistic ethos. Finally, we will discuss other factors that might contribute to the cultural evolution of individualism and collectivism. The central goals of this chapter are to provide a fresh, new perspective on individualism and collectivism and to encourage researchers to investigate socio-ecological conditions in the context of cross-societal comparisons (see Yamagishi, 1998, for a similar view).
