What is Autonomy?

Autonomy fundamentally means self-rule, indicating the ability of individuals to govern themselves and exert control over their own lives. This personal agency is crucial for individual thriving, as it empowers people to make decisions and shape their experiences. While autonomy is universally valued to some extent across cultures, the degree to which it is sought and expressed can vary significantly between different cultural contexts. Overall, autonomy encompasses having a sense of self and the capacity to direct one’s own choices.