indiviidist

Indiviidist is a term used in contemporary discourse to describe a stance in ethics, politics, and culture that foregrounds the primacy of individual autonomy and self-determination, often framed as a response to perceived collective or uniform norms.

The coinage is recent and there is no single agreed origin. It functions as a label in debates about liberalism, libertarianism, and cultural politics. Proponents view it as a distinct emphasis within individual-centered thought, sometimes signaling deviation from conventional individualism.

Core tenets include the primacy of individual rights and bodily autonomy; a preference for voluntary over coercive associations; skepticism of expansive state power; encouragement of personal responsibility and resilience; and a commitment to pluralism and tolerance of diverse life projects.

Critics argue that an excessive focus on autonomy can neglect structural inequalities, social welfare, and public goods; it risks atomizing social life or blaming individuals for circumstances beyond their control; and it may downplay collective obligations to vulnerable groups.

In relation to other ideologies, indiviidism overlaps with liberal and libertarian thought while maintaining its own emphasis on voluntarism and pluralism. It appears in academic discussions, political commentary, and cultural debates, but it has no widely accepted doctrinal center. See also individualism, liberalism, libertarianism, collectivism.