The idea of freedom has been an important part of philosophy since ancient times.
How one understands it can vary greatly depending on their culture and context. In some cultures, freedom may be understood as being free from social restrictions that limit individual choices and decisions.
In Western liberal democracies, individuals have more liberty to pursue whatever lifestyle they choose without government interference. But what happens if one's individual choices are limited by societal norms or systemic oppression? How is this conceptualized philosophically?
One way to think about this question is through the lens of postmodern feminist theory. Postmodern feminists argue that society places certain expectations on women regarding their appearance, behavior, and sexuality. These expectations are often based on gender stereotypes and traditional roles assigned to men and women. This means that women who do not conform to these norms may face criticism or even violence.
Take the case of drag queens, who are male-bodied people who wear women's clothing and perform femininity for entertainment purposes. While drag performances have existed throughout history, modern drag queens have become increasingly visible in popular culture.
They still face discrimination and violence because of their nonconformity with gender norms.
Fat-positive activism seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding larger bodies and promote acceptance of all body types. Yet, fat individuals continue to face discrimination in various areas of life, such as employment and healthcare. They are also targeted with diet ads and other forms of shaming that perpetuate negative beliefs about fatness.
In both cases, freedom can be understood as breaking free from social norms and expressing oneself authentically despite systemic oppression.
A person might choose to dress in drag as a form of self-expression without worrying about others' reactions. Or they might embrace their fatness by wearing clothes they feel comfortable in and advocating for positive representation in media.
Some philosophers have argued that this understanding of freedom is too limited. They argue that true freedom requires more than just individual choice; it must include collective action to address structural barriers to equality. This means challenging systems of power and privilege that create inequities in society. It also means working towards a world where everyone has access to resources and opportunities regardless of race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The conceptualization of freedom depends on one's context and perspective. As philosophers continue to explore these questions, it will be important to consider how societal norms and systemic oppression affect our ability to express ourselves authentically.
How is freedom conceptualized philosophically when social norms and systemic oppression limit authentic expression?
The term "freedom" has been the subject of much debate among philosophers for centuries. Some argue that it means being able to act according to one's own desires and inclinations without interference from external factors like laws, social norms, or cultural expectations. Others believe that true freedom entails the ability to make choices freely and without coercion, even if those choices may not align with what society deems appropriate.