Individualism and collective action are not mutually exclusive. Individuals can form groups around a shared goal and engage in collective action to achieve that goal. Collectivism is when the collective itself is given importance above the values of the individuals who make up that collective.

For example when Democrats say they value "our Democracy" after having just deprived millions of voters of their rights. For them the system (that benefits them) is supreme, and anyone who questions the system must be marginalized or expunged. See also: fascism (noun).