92. Cultural Psychology - The Psychology of
Collective Action: How Cooperation and Solidarity Form in a Specific Culture
People behave differently when they are
alone compared to when they are in a group.
In some cultures, particularly in collectivist societies, the welfare and
harmony of the community take precedence over individual decision-making.
This collective action is not just a social habit—it is a complex phenomenon
shaped by intertwined psychological mechanisms and cultural values.
In this post, we focus on collective action in Korean society to examine
which psychological factors drive group cooperation and solidarity.
1. Definition of the Concept
A. Definition of Collective Action
Collective action refers to the behavior of individuals who share the same
goals or purposes and act simultaneously or in mutual influence.
B. Meaning of Psychological Factors
This concept explains how individuals think, feel, and act in group
situations, shaped by internal motivations, emotions, and cognitive biases.
C. Cultural Collective Action
The form of collective action differs across cultures,
deeply influenced by history, values, and social structure.
2. Scientific and Psychological
Background
A. Social Identity Theory
People form self-identity through the groups they belong to,
perceiving the group’s success as their own success.
B. Norm Theory
Culturally internalized norms provide behavioral standards in group contexts,
and breaking them often causes psychological discomfort or internal conflict.
C. Interdependent Cultural Contexts
In interdependent cultures like Korea,
individual choices are perceived as directly linked to the group’s well-being,
resulting in higher participation rates in collective actions.
3. Key Psychological Mechanisms
A. In-group Favoritism
Trust and goodwill toward members of one’s own group encourage participation
in collective efforts.
B. Social Pressure and “Nunchi” Culture
Awareness of others’ expectations and scrutiny creates an implicit coercive
force toward participating in collective action.
C. Emotional Contagion
Group emotions—such as anger, joy, or fear—spread quickly,
serving as a powerful driver for synchronized behavior.
4. Related Behavioral and Cognitive
Traits
A. Preference for Collective
Decision-Making
There is a strong tendency to trust decisions made by a group rather than by an
individual.
B. Conflict Avoidance
Members often refrain from expressing opinions that could disrupt group
harmony.
C. Use of Symbols and Rituals
Shared slogans, symbols, and traditional rituals strengthen group cohesion
and emotional bonding.
5. Strategies and Applications
A. Incorporating Cultural Context into
Leadership
Leaders who understand and leverage cultural values can enhance
participation in collective efforts.
For example, emphasizing shared heritage and goals aligns with deep-rooted
cultural identities.
B. Structuring Group Goals to Maximize
Engagement
When group objectives are clearly defined and tied to mutual benefits,
members are more motivated to take part.
C. Encouraging Symbolic Practices
Introducing group chants, colors, or rituals can reinforce unity and
provide emotional anchors during collective action.
6. Real-Life Application Examples
A. Workplace Collective Bargaining in
Korea
Union members rally under shared slogans and coordinated dress codes,
using these symbols to signal solidarity and maintain morale during
negotiations.
B. Community Disaster Response
In rural Korean towns, natural disasters often trigger spontaneous
cooperative actions,
driven by ingrained cultural norms of helping neighbors.
C. Public Health Campaigns
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask-wearing and public compliance were largely
upheld by collective responsibility values embedded in the culture.
7. Methods for Enhancement or Resolution
A. Balancing Group Needs and Individual
Autonomy
Encouraging open discussion within the group helps maintain harmony without
suppressing individual voices.
B. Training in Perspective-Taking
Workshops that enhance empathy between members can strengthen trust and
reduce misunderstandings.
C. Adapting Cultural Elements Across
Contexts
In multicultural settings, integrating respectful adaptations of Korean
collective practices can foster inclusivity while maintaining group
cohesion.
8. Implications
Collective action in cultures like Korea is
not simply the result of social pressure—it is a deeply ingrained
psychological and cultural process.
It reflects centuries of living in tightly interwoven communities, where
cooperation was essential for survival.
Understanding these dynamics allows modern organizations, movements, and
communities to mobilize people more effectively, while respecting
cultural nuances.
In a globalized era, this insight also helps bridge different cultural
approaches to group behavior, promoting cross-cultural collaboration.
FAQ
Q. Is collective action more common in
collectivist cultures?
Yes. Collectivist cultures emphasize interdependence, making group-oriented
behavior more natural and frequent.
Q. Does group pressure always have
positive outcomes?
Not always. While it can foster unity, excessive pressure may suppress
individuality and discourage dissent.
Q. Can these cultural principles be
applied outside their origin?
Yes, but with cultural sensitivity. Adopting symbolic and cooperative practices
can be effective, but must respect the target group’s values.
Solidarity is not just about standing
together — it is about sharing meaning
In Korean culture, collective action
carries a deep sense of mutual responsibility.
It is less about personal gain and more about protecting the whole.
When people raise their voices together, they are not only seeking change—they
are reaffirming the invisible ties that bind them.
Those ties, rooted in history, trust, and shared experience, are the true
engine of collective action.
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