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Opinion

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The Struggle Between Society and Individualism

Several social theorists have explored the tension between society and the individual. Emile Durkheim, one of the founding figures of sociology, argued that society functions through social norms and institutions

By Mohammed Anwar Al Balushi

info@thearabianstories.com

Monday, February 3, 2025

“I need a breath. Give me a break,” this is what I heard from a very close friend of mine when we were discussing society. He said, “I want to be free. Free from everything.”

Sometimes, individuals feel that the entire society is against them. Where is individualism? I still remember sitting with a friend of mine in a restaurant for dinner. “Could you sit properly?” a stranger from the same restaurant pointed at my friend. We were both surprised. “What the hell is he saying?” we whispered to each other. It wasn’t that my friend was sitting in an unusual way, but he was just comfortable in his own posture. But the stranger’s words felt like an attack, an intrusion of personal space.

A few days later, I met another friend who was frustrated about something similar. “Why do people always have an opinion on how I dress? I like wearing bright colors, but every time I walk on the street, someone either stares or comments,” she complained. She paused and sighed, “Why does society always want to put us in a box?” Her frustration resonated with me. It made me wonder whether the individual ever truly exists separate from society or if we are all just shaped by its expectations.

These experiences are not isolated. Many people feel suffocated by societal norms and pressures. We are constantly reminded to fit into predefined molds; be polite, be professional, behave a certain way. It is as if society dictates our identity rather than allowing us to create one ourselves.

Several social theorists have explored the tension between society and the individual. Emile Durkheim, one of the founding figures of sociology, argued that society functions through social norms and institutions. According to him, individuals are shaped by the collective consciousness of society. In his book Suicide, Durkheim explains how social integration affects individual actions, suggesting that those who are less connected to societal norms often experience alienation and distress. But does this mean we should simply conform for the sake of belonging?

On the other hand, Max Stirner, a philosopher known for his radical individualism, posited that society is nothing more than an artificial construct that limits personal freedom. In The Ego and Its Own, he argues that individuals should prioritize their own interests and break free from societal expectations. This perspective aligns with what my friend was feeling when he said, “I want to be free. Free from everything.”

Similarly, John Stuart Mill, in On Liberty, advocated for personal freedom and the importance of individuality. He argued that society should not have the authority to dictate how individuals live their lives unless their actions harm others. Mill believed that diversity of thought and behavior is crucial for progress. If everyone confirms, how can new ideas emerge?

This conflict between individuality and societal expectations is evident in everyday life. Imagine a young artist who wants to pursue painting, but their family insists on a corporate job. “You won’t make money painting,” they say. The artist is torn between passion and practicality, between self-expression and societal validation.

Or consider a man who prefers solitude but is constantly asked, “Why are you so quiet? You should be more social.” In such cases, society expects individuals to behave in a particular way, even if it is against their nature.

There is also a paradox of modern society. We are encouraged to be unique, but only within the limits of acceptability. Social media promotes the idea of “being yourself,” yet algorithms reward conformity. Those who deviate too far from societal norms are often ridiculed rather than celebrated.

Is it possible to find a balance between individuality and societal expectations? Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche suggest that individuals must create their own meaning and live authentically, even if it goes against societal norms. Sartre famously said, “Man is condemned to be free,” meaning that we are responsible for our own choices and cannot blame society for our decisions.

Perhaps the key lies in mutual respect. Society should allow individuals the space to express themselves without judgment, while individuals should recognize that some social norms exist to maintain harmony. The problem arises when society enforces conformity at the cost of personal freedom.

My friend who sighed, “I need a breath,” was expressing a sentiment shared by many. The pressure to conform can be exhausting. But as Mill suggested, individuality is essential for progress. If we all conformed, where would innovation, creativity, and change come from?

In the end, society and individualism will always be in tension. But maybe the solution is not to fight one or the other but to redefine the relationship between them.

To create a society that does not suffocate its individuals but nurtures them, maybe then, we won’t need a breath; we’ll already be breathing freely.

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