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　　Abstract: Values have deep influences on culture. This paper shall discuss the influences of collectivism and individualism on culture from three perspectives: their definitions and origins, and the manifestations of their influences in reality. And these manifestations are divided into three aspects: notions of self, family life and social life.
　　Key words: collectivism, individualism, culture
　　中图分类号：G648　文献标识码：B　文章编号：1672-1578（2012）10-0127-02
　　It is known to all that values and cultures are closely-related. Various value conceptions prevail in different cultures in the world. Though there are so many complex factors to form a single kind of culture, values are doubtlessly a significant one which can never be neglected. Among these views of value, collectivism and individualism are the two major ones that underlie the eastern and western cultures. Many characteristics of these cultures are determined by the two values. This paper shall give a detailed explanation of the respective influences of collectivism and individualism on culture.
　　1. The definitions of collectivism and individualism
　　Basically, individualism refers to the broad value tendencies of a culture in emphasizing the importance of individual identity over group identity, individual rights over group rights, and individual needs over group needs. Individualism promotes self-efficiency, individual responsibilities, and personal autonomy. In contrast, collectivism refers to the broad value tendencies of a culture in emphasizing the importance of the "we" identity over the "I" identity, group rights over individual rights, and in-group-oriented needs over individual wants and desires. Collectivism promotes relational interdependence, in-group harmony, and in-group collaborative spirit [1]。
　　2. The origins of collectivism and individualism
　　The emergence and prevailing of a value in a single culture is the result of long time historical process. Most of the eastern countries boast rich natural resources and a vast tillage which facilitate the development of agriculture. People are settled down at the side of the river. So these countries live on farming and attach great importance to agriculture. In these societies, people are used to settling down in one area in good and comparatively close relations with the natives around. People are inclined to enlarge the size of the family under such a settled living condition in need of labor force. The family bond is valued, and people are all family-interest-oriented. Patriarchal system then prevails. The state, in Chinese people""s eyes, is the extended entity of family. They like to regard the state or society as a united big family. Thus collectivism is easy to be accepted by Chinese people.