Collectivistic Culture

‘Since Sri Lanka is a collectivistic society, individuals often perceive themselves to be members of their ethnic, religious or linguistic group rather than individual and autonomous actors. In turn, it is thought that a person’s actions can reflect back upon the groups they identify with.’ Sri Lanka is a country where 'identity' has a strong link to outdated and misinterpreted culture and tradition. The Boomer generation consider being a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer as the only acceptable occupations. It is, in most cases, harmfully enforced via older generations. In the recent years, being a software engineer or ‘working with computers’ have become an accepted career choice. However, being a designer (graphic, fashion, jewellery, animation) is still limited to Colombo’s elite.

Cultural Atlas. n.d. Sri Lankan Culture. [online] Available at: <https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/sri-lankan-culture/sri-lankan-culture-core-concepts> [Accessed 4 March 2022]