Abstract: This paper applies comparison as the means to study Chinese collectivism and American individualism. It provides the definitions and root-causes of collectivism and individualism as the theatrical background. It then uses the novel The Joy Luck Club as a perspective to approach the two concepts. It is the author’s hope that by doing so, both Chinese and American readers could better understand the novel. Ultimately, some misunderstandings derived from cultural practices could be avoided so as to help cross-cultural communications between the two peoples.

Key words: The Joy Luck Club; Chinese collectivism; American individualism.

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework1

2.1 Definitions of Collectivism and Individualism

2.2 Previous Studies on Collectivism and Individualism

2.3 Previous Studies on The Joy Luck Club

3. Root-causes of Chinese Collectivism and American Individualism4

3.1 The Influences of Philosophy and Religion 

3.2 The Influences of Geography and Economy

3.3 The Influences of Politics

4. Collectivism and Individualism in The Joy Luck Club 10

4.1 An Introduction of The Joy Luck Club

4.2 Collectivism and Individualism in the Novel

5. Conclusion13

Bibliography.14

Acknowledgements15