Ma`rifat Modiriyati

In order to understand the cultural differences between societies it is necessary to have access to their common grounds. Sociologists have tried to recognize and understand the common grounds between societies through theoretical reasoning, field study experience, and statistical studies. The results of these studies have led to evolving a number of theories the about dimensions of culture. Hofstede's dimensional model is one the most important studies in recognizing the dimensions of national culture. He has recognized five dimensions common to most societies and they are as follows: power distance, Individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, avoidance of ambiguity, and short–term orientation/long-term orientation. The way these categories are viewed can contribute to underscoring the cultural differences. Due to the importance of this issue in cultural planning and feeling that this subject has not been given due attention by Islamic studies, the author has tried through a descriptive-analytical method to introduce each of these dimensions to the world of the Age Appearance, during which all Islamic values are realized, so that its results may be used as basis for cultural studies and planning. This paper focuses on Individualism/collectivism which constitutes one of the dimensions of Hofstede's model.