Autonomous Agency

Autonomous Agency refers to an individual’s ability to make independent decisions and act according to their values, free from external coercion or influence. In sociology, it is studied in relation to structures, norms, and power dynamics that may enhance or limit autonomy. Autonomous agency is central to discussions on human rights, identity, and social justice, emphasizing the balance between personal freedom and societal constraints. Sociologists analyze autonomous agency to understand how individuals exercise choice within complex social systems and how agency interacts with institutional forces, such as governments, cultural expectations, or economic pressures.