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The 5 Needs: Freedom
The World Book dictionary (1983) defines freedom as "not being under
another's control; power to do, say, or think as one pleases; liberty". When
an individual's need for freedom is being met, he or she feels empowered.
Conversely, when satisfaction of the need for freedom is denied, a person
may feel confined, constrained, frustrated, restrained, helpless or
oppressed. As with the other needs, the importance of freedom (i.e.,
strength of the need) varies widely among situations and people: there are
those, for example, who are content having someone else make decisions for
them. On the other hand, many people have died for the right of
self-determination. Freedom implies taking responsibility for one's
thoughts, words, and actions. Parents and teachers can foster the
development of responsibility by giving children increasingly greater
freedom of choice. Something as simple as being able to choose where to sit
in a classroom or what clothes to buy or wear represents a degree of
freedom. Some ways in which the need for freedom may be
satisfied include the following:
- Being able to make one's own decisions
- Having the resources to travel
- Having the time to engage in activities of one's choice
- Not having to get permission from someone
- Having choices
- Not being encumbered by debt, responsibilities, or commitments
- Being able to say what's on one's mind without fear of repercussions
The converse of each of these, of course, would represent scenarios that
would restrict the satisfaction of the need for freedom. |
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