Individualism is a concept or theoretical perspective employed across diverse academic disciplines, including sociology, philosophy, economics, and political science. It fundamentally posits the individual as the primary unit of analysis and value, investigating social, economic, and political phenomena through the lens of individual actions, choices, rights, and autonomy. Key characteristics involve an emphasis on self-reliance, personal liberty, and the prioritization of individual interests and agency over collective entities, providing a significant framework for understanding human behavior, social structure, and ethical considerations from a micro-level perspective.