Individualism is a world view that expounds the theory of individual endeavours and effects over societal efforts. In Western societies individualism has different meanings. It (a) rejects any external authority, yet may have a sense of social duty; (b) emphasizes individual uniqueness; (c) resents intrusion of the state and government; (d) represents competitive economic individuals; (e) values every person compassionately.
Individualism is not characteristic of primitive societies where individuals are still so undeveloped and immature that they need to belong to their social milieu, rather it is borne of developed societies where individuals have the choice of, and opportunity for, being independent. The concept of self is particularly evident in this century, as oppressed people become independent; such awareness could give rise to historically-significant corporate action. But authentic awareness of self is aborted by individualism, which results in an isolation that cuts people off from their past and results in their clinging to self-created images. This in turn merely traps and confuses them, so they can no longer relate to what is happening around them.
While "ego consciousness", domination and violence certainly predate the modern era, the contemporary world seems to be taking them to the logical extreme: human and planetary annihilation. We must recognize how an ego consciousness promoting individualism, competition and domination has ascended at the personal and societal levels of nations, particularly in ethno-religious groups and in how humans relate to other animal and life forms.
Individualism undermines socialist goals and doctrines. It is the enemy of the cause of socialism.
Competitive individualism is shown by biology to be normal for individuals. A social system with a different structure is unnatural and therefore unworkable.