How do acts of everyday resistance, survival, and creativity redefine the philosophical understanding of agency and autonomy? This is a question that has been asked by philosophers for centuries and continues to be a source of debate among scholars today. Agency refers to an individual's ability to make choices and act independently, while autonomy denotes self-determination and freedom from external constraints. Traditionally, these concepts have been understood in terms of rational choice, where individuals are seen as acting based on their preferences and goals.
This view fails to account for the ways in which social structures, cultural norms, and power relations shape human behavior. Everyday resistance, survival, and creativity can challenge this traditional understanding of agency and autonomy by highlighting the complexity of human behavior and the interplay between individual action and social context.
Resistance involves the refusal to accept dominant ideologies and practices that oppress or limit one's agency.
Women who resist patriarchal gender roles by pursuing careers outside the home may be seen as subversive, but they also demonstrate their ability to choose their own path and assert their independence. Similarly, marginalized communities that protest against state violence and discrimination are exercising their right to self-determination, despite facing considerable opposition. In both cases, acts of resistance demonstrate that individuals have the capacity to take control of their lives and defy societal expectations.
Survival is another way in which everyday actions can redefine agency and autonomy. Surviving difficult circumstances requires resourcefulness, resilience, and adaptability, all of which involve making choices within constrained environments. People who live in poverty, face natural disasters, or suffer from illnesses must find ways to sustain themselves and their families under adverse conditions. Their decisions may not align with conventional ideas of rationality or morality, but they still represent meaningful choices that shape their lives and futures.
Creativity also challenges traditional views of agency and autonomy. Individuals who create art, music, literature, or innovative products or services demonstrate their unique perspectives and abilities to generate new ideas. Their creative work can challenge established norms and offer alternative visions of what is possible. This process often involves taking risks, breaking rules, and pushing boundaries, which may be viewed as anti-social or deviant by some.
Creativity ultimately demonstrates an individual's ability to exercise their freedom and express their identity.
Acts of everyday resistance, survival, and creativity challenge traditional understandings of agency and autonomy. They highlight the complex interplay between individual action and social context, showing how human behavior is shaped by power relations and cultural norms. These actions demonstrate that people have the capacity for self-determination and choice, even in seemingly limiting situations. By recognizing this complexity, we can expand our understanding of agency and autonomy beyond a narrow view of rational decision-making to include more diverse forms of human experience.
How do acts of everyday resistance, survival, and creativity redefine the philosophical understanding of agency and autonomy?
Researchers have argued that individuals can be agents in their daily lives by actively resisting oppression, taking care of themselves through self-preservation, and creating new ways of living amidst social and economic conditions (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). These actions challenge dominant narratives about who is capable of agency and autonomous decision-making and what it means to live with dignity under difficult circumstances.