This blog is a forum for Discussion among faculty and students from Loyola University of Chicago School of Social Work and Vytautas Magnus University, Schools of Social Work and Public Administration.
Applying Sen’s framework to Lithuania, one form of unfreedom that stands out is the social and economic exclusion of people released from prison. Former prisoners often face: limited employment opportunities (economic unfreedom); social stigma and discrimination (social unfreedom); restricted access to housing and social services (protective insecurity); reduced participation in civic life (process unfreedom). According to Sen’s capability approach, this situation represents a deprivation of substantive freedom. Even if former prisoners legally possess political rights, they may lack the real capability to secure stable employment, rebuild social relationships, and participate fully in society. Another group experiencing unfreedom in Lithuania are people with disabilities. Many face: limited employment opportunities (economic unfreedom); physical and social barriers in accessing public spaces and services (social and process unfreedom); reduced participation in community and civic life (process unfreedom). Addressing these constraints is important because it affects equality, social inclusion, and human dignity, reflecting Sen’s view that true development requires expanding real capabilities for all individuals, enabling them to lead lives they value.
2. Amartya Sen understands freedom as a person's ability to live the life they want. He says that freedom is not just the right to vote or have a job. Freedom is much broader - it is the opportunity to learn, work, receive assistance, feel safe, and be protected from injustice. Sen distinguishes several types of freedom: political freedom, economic opportunities, social opportunities, protective freedom, and just institutions. According to Sen, unfreedom occurs when a person's opportunities are narrowed. This can be poverty, discrimination, limited access to services, violence, or simply social norms that restrict a person's choices. Unfreedom does not necessarily mean physical restraint - often it is simply situations that prevent a person from living the way they want to. Looking at Lithuania, it seems to me that one form of bondage is the vulnerability of people going through divorce. Divorce often means not only emotional hardship, but also a real reduction in opportunities. One person has to bear a greater financial burden, especially if they are left with children. Single mothers in Lithuania often face lower incomes, greater responsibility, and less support. This limits their economic opportunities and choices. In addition, people going through divorce often feel lonely, sometimes feeling judged or even blamed by those around them. This reduces their social opportunities and self-confidence. It is not always easy to get psychological or legal help, and institutions do not always provide quick and clear solutions. All this means that for a while after a divorce, a person has far fewer opportunities than before – and this corresponds to Sen's definition of bondage. I think it is important to change this situation. People should not be "punished" for the fact that their relationship did not work out. There should be more help for single parents, more accessible services, and less stigma. When a person receives the necessary help after a divorce and is able to rebuild their life, they regain their freedom - as Sen understands it.
When speaking about freedom and unfreedom, Amartya Sen understands freedom not only as a formal right to choose, but as a real opportunity to live the kind of life a person has reason to value. In his view, freedom means capabilities – what a person is actually able to do and to be. Freedom includes political rights, economic opportunities, access to social services such as education and healthcare, transparency, and protection from insecurity. In other words, freedom is both the goal and the means of development.
Unfreedom, according to Sen, is not limited to open oppression or dictatorship. Unfreedom exists when a person’s capabilities are restricted – because of poverty, dependency, social inequality, limited access to education, weak institutions, or restrictive cultural norms. Even if we formally have rights, but lack real opportunities to use them, we experience unfreedom.
Based on Sen’s definitions, one form of unfreedom in Lithuania that I would like to change is structural dependency and limited self-sufficiency, despite formal political freedom. We live in a free democratic country. We can travel, choose our profession, and express our opinions. However, at the same time, we are highly dependent on services, markets, technologies, and energy systems from abroad. Economically and digitally, we are tied to global processes that we do not control. This means that our real opportunities are partly shaped by decisions made outside our country.
We are also bound by our history. Historical experience shapes our identity, political decisions, and even our fears. History gives us strength, but it can also limit our thinking if we rely only on past traumas or narratives when making decisions. An important question arises: what will happen when history becomes less relevant to younger generations? Will we be able to build freedom based on present opportunities rather than only on past experiences?
Another tension I see through Sen’s perspective is the relationship between individualism and community responsibility. We consider ourselves free individuals who have the right to choose our own life path. At the same time, we are morally and socially expected to take care of our family, children, elderly parents, and even neighbors. This is not negative - community is a strength. However, when social systems are not strong enough, responsibility shifts entirely onto the individual. In that case, freedom becomes conditional: you are free only as long as you can manage risks on your own.
This form of unfreedom seems important to me because it is less visible. We do not experience direct oppression, yet our capabilities are limited by structural factors - economic dependency, social inequalities, and cultural expectations. According to Sen, real freedom means being able to choose without fear, without excessive dependency, and with genuine social support.
Therefore, I believe the key direction for change would be strengthening local community resilience, critical thinking, economic sustainability, and access to social services. Freedom should not be only declared - it must be practically realized through real opportunities for every person.
I agree that declared freedom without real opportunities becomes merely a formal concept. This is particularly evident in social work – people may have the right to choose, but if they lack financial resources, social support, or access to information, that choice becomes very limited. Therefore, investment in social services and the development of critical thinking are essential if we want to speak about genuine, rather than merely symbolic, freedom.
Amartya Sen argues that true freedom is not only the absence of coercion, but also the opportunity for people to actually live the life they value. He calls this "substantial freedom," which means real opportunities to act, choose, and do what is important to a person. Sen argues that freedom is what expands our opportunities, allows us to be fully human, make decisions, and participate in life. Meanwhile, lack of freedom occurs when a person lacks real opportunities. This can be poverty, illness, social exclusion, or limited services - even if a person formally has rights, they cannot exercise them. Sen emphasizes that true freedom is not money or merely freedom from coercion, but rather the ability to do what allows a person to live with dignity. Based on this view, it seems to me that one clear form of bondage in Lithuania is the limited opportunities for people with dementia and their relatives to receive adequate assistance. Although services formally exist, in practice many families are left alone: there is a shortage of places in day centers, and relatives are often forced to give up work and devote all their time to the patient. This is a form of bondage because both the sick person and their family cannot live as they would like to - they lose the opportunity to work, relax, participate in society, and plan for their future. It is important to me that this lack of freedom is reduced, because according to Sen's idea, true freedom arises when a person has real opportunities, not just rights. People with dementia and their loved ones often do not have a choice - they are simply trapped by the situation. If there were more accessible assistance in the country, they could live more comfortably, have more peace of mind, and more freedom to create the life they want for themselves.
Amartya Sen understands freedom not as theoretical and formal rights, but as a real opportunity to use them. These are economic, social, political opportunities, security and transparency. Sen's definition of captivity is also important - these are restrictions that cannot be used to one's own potential. If a person experiences poverty or unemployment, then he has an economic barrier that prevents him from using the rights granted to him.
In Lithuania, I would see poverty and social exclusion in the regions. Although our country has political rights to health, the right to vote and formal equality, some people cannot receive quality education, well-paid work, timely health services (how long are the waiting lines for medical specialists), become independent of social support. This is an important problem in Lithuania, because it limits human choices, weakens democracy. Thus, according to Sen, the fight against poverty is the restoration of freedom. It is very important to invest in education in the regions, increase access to health, and create economic opportunities. These imprisonments in Lithuania limit people's opportunities to fully participate in society and realize their potential. According to Sen, these are real opportunities and a full life.
According to Amartya Sen, freedom is about having real opportunities to live the life you value. It’s not just about being left alone; it means being able to be healthy, get an education, work, participate in your community, and live safely. Freedom is about having choices and being able to use them. Amartya Sen also talks about negative freedom, which means being free from interference or harm. For example, no one can hurt you, steal from you, or stop you from speaking your mind. While negative freedom is important, it’s not enough by itself because people may still lack the resources or opportunities to live fully. Unfreedom happens when people cannot fully use their abilities or make meaningful choices because of social, economic, or political barriers. It’s not just being forced; it’s also being trapped by circumstances like poverty, sickness, or lack of education. Unfreedom limits what people can do and stops them from living a full and meaningful life. As an example, Sen makes a distinction between fasting voluntarily for religious reasons and going without food because of poverty. If a person fasts voluntarily, for example for religious beliefs, they have a real choice and can stop anytime. This shows substantial freedom, because the person can control their own actions. Going without food due to poverty, however, is a form of unfreedom. In this case, the person cannot choose - they are forced to fast because they do not have enough food. This limits their opportunities to live a full life and use their capabilities. An example of unfreedom in Lithuania is unequal access to quality education in rural areas. Students in small towns often have fewer resources and less experienced teachers compared to those in larger cities like Vilnius. This limits their ability to develop skills and make meaningful choices in life. Improving schools, teacher training, and digital resources in rural areas is important because it gives all children a fair chance to reach their potential, strengthens their capabilities, and helps build a more equal and prosperous society.
1. Amartya Sen's definitions of freedom and non-freedom Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen argues in his theory that development and well-being should be measured in terms of people's freedoms - their real opportunities to live the life they value. Freedom.According to Sen, freedom means: • Real opportunities to choose how to live. • The ability to pursue valuable life goals (e.g., to be healthy, to learn, to work, to participate in society). • The ability to make decisions and act without unreasonable restrictions. In other words, a person is free when they have real opportunities to act and choose, and not just the formal right to do so. Unfreedom. Sen defines freedom as situations that limit a person's ability to live the life they want. These can include: • poverty and lack of economic opportunity, • limited access to education or health care, • restrictions on political rights or participation in society, • social discrimination or institutional neglect. Such conditions prevent people from realizing their abilities and are therefore considered forms of imprisonment. 2. An example of imprisonment in Lithuania. According to Amartya Sen's definitions of freedom and imprisonment, imprisonment occurs when people do not have real opportunities to live the life they value. These can be various social, economic or political restrictions that prevent a person from exercising their rights and opportunities. One example of imprisonment in Lithuania is the social and economic inequality experienced by people with disabilities. Although the law provides equal rights, in reality many people with disabilities face obstacles: it is more difficult for them to find work or use public services (not all cafes have accessibility), and some public spaces or buildings are still not fully adapted to their needs. According to Sen's theory, this is imprisonment because these people do not have the same real opportunities as other members of society. This issue is important to address because greater accessibility, equal employment opportunities and better social integration would allow people with mobility disabilities to participate more actively in society and live more independent lives. This would increase their freedom and contribute to the creation of a more just society.
I completely agree with Juratės opinion. As Amartya Sen emphasizes, freedom is not just formal rights but real opportunities to live the life a person values. In Lithuania, having legal rights does not mean that people with disabilities can fully participate in society. Without a supportive environment, equal employment opportunities, and necessary assistance, their freedom remains limited. This shows why it is important to create better living conditions so that people can truly exercise their freedom. From a social work perspective, appropriate support, such as counseling or help with employment, provides real opportunities to include people with disabilities in society and promote their independence. However, this is still not enough for people to fully enjoy the freedom they have.
The definitions of freedom and unfreedom by Amartya Sen. The freedom according to Amartya Sen refers to the actual possibilities of people living the lives that they appreciate. It has access to education, healthcare, security and involvement in social and political life (Sen, 1999). When these opportunities are restricted, then this is unfreedom. Sen says that there are various types of unfreedom such as: poverty and economic deprivation inadequate education and medical services political oppression and restriction of civil liberties discrimination and inequality in society institutional corruption and untransparency Sen argues that development should be understood as the expansion of these “substantial freedoms,” meaning the real capabilities people have to shape their lives (Sen, 1999). Cases of unfreedom: anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in Russia. Systemic discrimination of LGBTQ+ people is one of the forms of unfreedom in Russia. The so-called LGBT propaganda bans prevent the open discussion of queer identities in the media, education, and social life and the LGBTQ+ movement has been declared an extremist movement. This is social and political unfreedom using the framework by Sen. LGBTQ+ individuals are limited in their self-expression, their engagement in the life of society, and their access to support networks. This restricts fundamental human functions including safe living, relationship building and identity (Sen, 1999). The significance of this issue is that social work is founded on human rights and dignity. The increase in equality and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals would enhance better wellbeing and enable people to engage in society fully. In my view, removing these restrictions would not only improve individual wellbeing but also expand social freedoms in Sen’s sense, allowing people to fully develop their capabilities and contribute to society (Sen, 1999).
Amartya Sen explains freedom as substantial freedom, which means real opportunities that people have to live the life they value. According to Sen, freedom is about having a chance to develop abilities and participate in society. He describes several types of freedom: • Political freedom – related to free participation in politics as well as freedom of expression. • Social opportunities – includes education, social care. • Economic facilities – refers to access to work and income. • Protective security – basically is social work and support that protects people from extreme poverty. Sen also talks about unfreedom, which occurs when people are limited to access the above opportunities. And that does not always mean direct oppression. People can experience unfreedom when they lack access to education, economic resources, healthcare or social support. One form of unfreedom in Lithuania I would like to discuss is limited access to free mental health support for both children and adults. By that I mean access to psychotherapy and other forms of therapies to help them overcome challenging situations. In many places they face extremely long waiting lists, private practices are more available but many people can not afford them. Because of this many young people who do not necessarily need care of a social worker are limited to receiving the help they need. In accordance to Sean’s idea of freedom, this refers to a problem of social opportunities. Without access to mental health support young people face limitations in building successful and mentally healthy future. This especially refers to children who may have experienced traumatic stress without being caught by the radar of social care system. They may live in officially not problematic families, but the situations they deal with are challenging and leave certain traces. Moreover, this can be ordinary teenagers who face difficulties at school (bullying, rejection, disorganised attachment, etc.). Limited access to such social opportunities may severely affect their future.
Hi, Agne, Your reflection clearly shows that you understand Amartya Sen’s idea of freedom as real opportunities, not only formal rights. I think you explain well the difference between freedom and unfreedom and how they relate to access to social resources. The example of mental health services in Lithuania is also very relevant.
I especially agree with your point that limited access to psychotherapy and mental health support can become a form of unfreedom. Even if young people technically have the right to receive help, extremely long waiting lists or the high cost of private services can make that help practically unreachable. In this sense, the freedom exists on paper, but not always in real life.
Your example also fits well with Sen’s idea of social opportunities, because access to mental health support directly affects a person’s ability to develop, study, work, and build healthy relationships. I also find your observation important that many young people who struggle emotionally may not fall into the category of “high-risk” families and therefore remain outside the social support system.
Overall, your analysis shows how social policy and access to services can strongly influence people’s real freedoms. Expanding accessible mental health support could therefore significantly strengthen young people’s capabilities and future opportunities.
For Amarya Sen, freedom means real opportunities that people possess to achieve the kind of life they value. It is not just about having laws written down on paper that gives freedom to people, but actually having the opportunity to exercise them.
He goes into further explanation by defining different types of freedoms that can support developing human rights.
- Political Freedoms – This involves having the ability to participate in politics. For example, voting, expressing opinions and holding leaders accountable. - Economic Facilities – This type of freedom means having access to resources, jobs, markets, and the ability to earn a livable wage. - Social Opportunities – This means having access to quality education, healthcare, and other social services that can help people continue to develop. - Transparency Guarantees – This is related to having a culture of openness, trust, and lack of corruption within institutions and relationships. - Protective Security – This is referring to social safety nets that protect citizens from destitution. This includes famine relief or unemployment support.
According to Sen, Unfreedom refers to conditions that restrict people’s ability to live the life they value. Some examples of this include a lack of access to quality education or healthcare, corruption, or lack of transparency in institutions, or a lack of social safety nets.
Thinking about the unfreedoms that exist in my country is really eye opening. The United States loves to say that we are “The Land of the Free”. But when thinking about Sen’s definition of “Unfreedoms”, it is clear that many unfreedoms are present in the United States. The fact that some Americans get defensive when you want to acknowledge something like the existence of systemic racism, is due to this messaging around "freedom" within our country. When I consider the concept of unfreedom, it is clear that we are not as free as we think we are. One example I can think of is related to systemic racism in our country. Social opportunities such as having access to quality education or healthcare that Sen talks about are not equally available to everyone in the United States. Because of gerrymandering and racist policies that have not changed in decades, communities that are majority Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) do not have the same resources as majority white communities. In order to achieve the type of freedom that Sen talks about, it is prudent for there to be equal access to quality education and healthcare. The first step in obtaining the ability to live the life any individual wants to live is to have access to education. Quality education expands opportunities for individuals – they have more options for employment and to earn income. It also helps with their participation in the political realm. Having access to quality healthcare is also important because it allows for people to access preventative care, vaccinations, and avoid illness. The limited access to these resources in BIPOC communities is rooted in racism. If the United States wants to truly be “the Land of the Free” providing equal access to education and healthcare is very important.
The economist and philosopher Amartya Sen explains freedom as the real ability people have to live the kind of life they value. In his work Development as Freedom, he argues that development should not only be measured by economic growth but by the expansion of human freedoms. According to Sen, freedom refers to the capabilities and opportunities people have to achieve valuable ways of living. It includes both the absence of restrictions and the presence of supportive social, economic, and political conditions that allow individuals to make meaningful choices about their lives. Unfreedom refers to conditions that restrict people’s capabilities and prevent them from achieving well-being. These limitations often arise from social, economic, or political barriers rather than personal shortcomings. Sen identifies several forms of unfreedom, including, Poverty and economic deprivation, Lack of social opportunities such as education and healthcare, Political deprivation and lack of civil rights, Limited economic opportunities, Lack of transparency and protective security If I could think of one significant form of unfreedom in India, it would be gender inequality and restrictions on women’s autonomy. In many parts of India, women still face barriers in accessing education, employment opportunities, and decision-making power within families and communities. Social norms, early marriage, and safety concerns often limit their mobility and participation in public life. Using Sen’s framework, these restrictions represent a form of social and economic unfreedom because they limit women’s capabilities to pursue education, build careers, and participate equally in society. When women are denied these opportunities, their freedom to choose the life they value becomes restricted. Addressing gender inequality is important because expanding women’s freedoms has broader benefits for society. Therefore, reducing gender-based barriers is essential for expanding real freedom and achieving more inclusive development in India.
I really liked your explanation of Amartya Sen’s ideas about freedom and unfreedom. You clearly showed how Sen believes development should be measured by people’s real opportunities, not just economic growth.
Your example of gender inequality in India was also very powerful. As you explained, barriers like limited access to education, early marriage, and social expectations can prevent women from fully participating in society. These restrictions limit women’s capabilities, which connects directly to Sen’s idea of unfreedom.
I also agree with your point that expanding women’s freedoms benefits society as a whole. When women have equal access to education and jobs, it can improve family well-being, economic growth, and community health.
Overall, your post did a great job connecting Sen’s theory to a real issue and explaining why reducing gender inequality is so important.
Yes, I agree with you, whether you live in Europe or India, addressing gender inequality is important because expanding women's freedoms provides broader benefits to society. Therefore, reducing gender-based barriers is essential to expanding true freedom and achieving more inclusive development around the world.
Amartya Sen explains freedom as more than just having rights written in laws. He believes freedom means people actually having the real ability and opportunities to live the kind of life they want. Sen describes five main types of freedom: political freedom, economic opportunities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and protective security. Political freedom means people can vote and share their opinions. Economic opportunities mean having access to jobs and ways to earn money. Social opportunities include things like education and healthcare. Transparency guarantees mean governments and organizations are honest and open. Protective security refers to support systems, like welfare programs, that help people during difficult times.
Unfreedom happens when people do not have access to these opportunities. Things like poverty, discrimination, lack of education, or limited healthcare can stop people from living the life they want.
One example of unfreedom in the United States is unequal access to healthcare. Many people cannot afford doctor visits, medicine, or health insurance. Because of this, some people avoid getting medical help even when they need it.
This connects to Sen’s idea of social opportunities because healthcare helps people stay healthy and able to work, learn, and take care of their families. When people do not have access to healthcare, it limits their chances to succeed.
This issue is important to fix because health affects almost every part of a person’s life. If more people had affordable healthcare, they would have a better chance to stay healthy and reach their goals.
Freedom according to Sen is what people are actually given to live the life that they cherish. He refers to this substantial freedom which comprises the potentials to attain well-being and be a member of the society. Freedom does not merely mean possession of rights but also the practical power to exercise those rights without limits. To increase people's ability to participate in the society and practice their rights, Sen lists the instruments for that including: political freedom, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency assures and protective security. With these freedoms combined, people are able to build their capabilities, i.e., their actual capacity to act and be what they appreciate. To Sen, unfreedom is the situations that restrict or inhibit the exercise of these freedoms and capabilities by people. Unfreedom is the absence of actual opportunities because a person cannot have opportunities because of social, economic or political obstacles. In Palestine, the reality is drawn by more unfreedoms than freedoms, we lack all the instruments. First Palestine is under the occupation by this the political freedom is lost. There is no economy to help the people, no any type of security or social opportunities, everything is determined by the occupation even the movement. Due to the continuous chaos, corruption has a huge part in everything where people who are out of corruption has nothing left for them. with all these problems, wars killings, violation of human rights, women don't have much space to express or vent to find any support. The oppression is multilayered.
It is evident that your reflection explains the idea of freedom and unfreedom as it depends on the concepts of Amartya Sen and is able to relate the theoretical framework to the situation in Palestine. The discussion demonstrates the comprehension of how political, economic, and social restrictions can limit the possibilities and opportunities of people. Your example is useful in showing the role of structural conditions in forming multiple layers of oppression especially in vulnerable populations like women. In general, the response is very insightful as it connects theory with the reality in a thoughtful way, and the logic of the argument is significant and relevant.
1. Amartya Sen argues that positive (or substantive) freedom refers to the ability to create and expand one's opportunities, for example through education or helping others. It is important for human well-being and happiness, but it is not the same thing as happiness in itself. In his article, Sen distinguishes the concept of freedoms, which are very important things that people can have in varying amounts. They can be compared to money: some people have little, others have more. So Amartya Sen explains that people's freedom can vary, some are more dependent on others, while others are free to choose. Fundamental (positive) freedom means real opportunities to live as one wishes, and it is determined not only by money, but also by health, security, education, and the opportunities provided by society. It lies between negative freedom (freedom from coercion) and happiness: it provides choices, but is not itself equal to happiness. In the text, Amartya Sen also distinguishes negative freedom, unfreedom from coercion or interference by other people (for example, that a person should not be attacked, enslaved, or robbed). This means that a person's opportunities are limited due to poverty, social environment and inequality, addictions, etc. And even if a person has freedom, sometimes they simply cannot exercise it due to circumstances.
2. Using Amartya Sen's definitions, I think one obvious form of unfeedom in Lithuania is the limited opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in social and working life due to limited accessibility and social discrimination. According to Sen, this is "imprisonment" because these people do not have the same real opportunities as other members of society. Although the law grants equal rights, not all buildings, transport, or public services are adapted to their needs, thus limiting their fundamental/positive freedom. Solving this problem is important because improving accessibility and equal employment opportunities would enable people with disabilities to participate more actively in society, increase their freedom, and expanding their real opportunities.
Amartya Sen explains freedom as the real ability of people to live the kind of life they value. Freedom is not only about having rights written in laws, but also about having real opportunities to use those rights. Sen describes several important types of freedom. These include political freedoms, which allow people to participate in political life and express their opinions. Another is economic facilities, meaning the opportunity to work, earn income, and participate in markets. Social opportunities are also important and include access to education, healthcare, and other services that help people improve their lives. Sen also mentions transparency guarantees, which refer to openness and trust in institutions and the absence of corruption. Finally, there is protective security, which means social support systems that protect people from extreme poverty, unemployment, or other serious risks. According to Sen, unfreedom appears when people cannot access these opportunities. Even if they formally have rights, they may still lack the real ability to use them because of poverty, discrimination, or limited access to services. One form of unfreedom in Lithuania that I would like to change is poverty among older people. Many elderly people live on very small pensions and sometimes struggle to afford basic needs such as food, medicine, or heating. Because of this, their economic opportunities and social participation become limited. Some older people also experience loneliness and have fewer chances to participate in community life. This issue is important because according to Sen’s idea of freedom, people should have real opportunities to live with dignity. When older people cannot meet their basic needs, their freedom becomes limited. Improving pensions, social support, and community services could help elderly people live more secure and active lives.
Amartya Sen describes freedom as the real possibility for people to live the life they value, while bondage encompasses conditions that limit real possibilities. In Sen's view, freedom requires much more than just legal rights—freedom depends on the ability to obtain the desired education, receive health care, have economic security, and participate in social inclusion. The author's idea coincides with Martha Nussbaum's view that people must have real and practical opportunities to develop their personal abilities (Nussbaum, 2011). Based on the concept of freedom as real opportunities to live a meaningful life, a clear form of bondage in my country can be seen in care facilities for the elderly. Although older people are formally entitled to dignity, safety, and proper care, their fundamental freedom may be restricted due to staff shortages, low funding, and untrained employees. Such conditions limit the real opportunity for seniors to live independently and with dignity in their old age.
According to the perspective of economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, freedom is understood as people’s real ability to choose and live the life they value. In his work, particularly in the book Development as Freedom, Sen emphasizes that development should be assessed by how much society expands people’s opportunities to participate in economic, social, and political life. In contrast, “unfreedom” refers to situations where people’s opportunities are restricted due to social, economic, or institutional obstacles. These barriers can include poverty, discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, or limited access to education and essential services.
One form of unfreedom present in Lithuania is the set of barriers faced by people with disabilities in participating fully in social life. Although the situation has gradually improved in recent years, certain physical, social, and institutional obstacles still limit their opportunities. For example, a few years ago, while using public transportation, I noticed a visually impaired person waiting for a bus while listening to a mobile app that announced bus locations and estimated arrival times at the stop. Additionally, many city sidewalks are marked with tactile surfaces that help visually impaired people navigate and sense directional changes. These infrastructure measures show that society and public institutions are attempting to create a more accessible environment and assist people with disabilities in participating more independently in social life.
Nevertheless, despite these positive changes, there are still areas that need improvement. Some public spaces, vehicles, and buildings are not fully accessible to people with different disabilities. Moreover, people with disabilities may face challenges in the labor market, as employers are not always prepared to adapt workplaces or provide flexible conditions. Such situations can restrict their ability to achieve economic independence and actively participate in society. According to Sen, this constitutes a form of unfreedom because people are not given the full opportunity to realize their potential and choose their life path on equal terms with other members of society.
Therefore, to reduce this form of unfreedom, it is important to continue developing accessible infrastructure, encourage employers to create inclusive workplaces, and increase public awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Such measures would help build a more inclusive society where every person, regardless of physical or sensory limitations, has the real opportunity to participate actively in social, economic, and cultural life. In this way, Sen’s principle is realized: true societal development occurs when the real freedoms and opportunities of all people are expanded.
To reduce this form of unfreedom, it is important to continue developing accessible infrastructure, encourage employers to create inclusive workplaces, and increase public awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Social workers play a crucial role in this process by acting as advocates, providing guidance, and connecting individuals with necessary resources and services. They help identify obstacles, inform people about their rights, and support them in navigating institutional systems, thereby empowering them to participate fully in society. Such measures would help build a more inclusive society where every person, regardless of physical or sensory limitations, has the real opportunity to participate actively in social, economic, and cultural life. In this way, Sen’s principle is realized: true societal development occurs when the real freedoms and opportunities of all people are expanded.
Amartya Sen describes freedom as the ability of people to have a life that they value. In the book Development as Freedom, he mentions that development should not be based only on economic growth but also on human freedoms and opportunities. According to Sen, freedom was understood as the capabilities of people to achieve valuable ways of living. It consisted of the availability of economic, social, and political conditions that enable individuals to make meaningful choices about their lives and also the absence of different restrictions. Unfreedom was mentioned as a different condition that limits people's potential and prevents them from achieving well-being. These limitations mostly happened due to structural barriers more than individual failure. Sen describes different types of unfreedom, such as poverty, unemployment, lack of access to healthcare, lack of access to education, lack of civil rights, etc. One of the important unfreedoms that exists in India, which I believe is the lack of access to quality education, is most common among the rural and disadvantaged communities. Many children do not receive proper education due to poverty, poor school infrastructure, and the need to work to support their families. In some areas, there is a lack of trained professionals and educational resources. Mainly in India, we have lots of schemes and grants to empower education in rural and disadvantaged groups. But because of the poor monitoring, different corruptions, and bribery happening among government officials leads to this kind of issues. According to Sen’s perspective, this situation represents a form of social unfreedom because its primarily restricting the people’s capabilities to develop skills, knowledge and opportunities for their future. Without adequate education individuals face lot of difficulties in their life. Education is the most fundamental thing which helps an individual to develop their human capabilities. When people have the opportunity to get quality education this would create different opportunities, improve economic condition, and lead to contributions to the society. Addressing this issue is fundamental in India.
Amartya Sen's Definitions of Freedom and Unfreedom Amartya Sen explains freedom as the real ability of people to live the kind of life they value. It is not only about having rights written into law but also about having the opportunity to use them. According to Sen, freedom includes access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and the ability to participate in social and political life. When people have these opportunities, they can make meaningful choices about their lives. On the other hand, unfreedom refers to situations that prevent people from having these opportunities or making their own choices. Sen says unfreedom can be caused by things such as poverty, lack of economic opportunities, poor healthcare and education systems, political restrictions, and social discrimination. These conditions limit people's capabilities and stop them from achieving the life they value. One form of unfreedom that exists in my country is poverty and limited job opportunities. Many people struggle to find stable and well-paid jobs. Because of this, they sometimes cannot afford a good education, healthcare, or a comfortable standard of living. When people are constantly worried about basic needs, it becomes very difficult for them to focus on personal growth or future goals. I wish this situation could change because economic opportunities are very important for real freedom. When people have stable jobs and fair income, they can make better choices for their lives, support their families, and improve their future. Reducing poverty and creating more job opportunities would help many people gain the freedom to live the life they truly want.
In my view, I think improving job opportunities and reducing poverty is essential for real freedom. When people have stable work and fair income, they gain confidence, independence, and the ability to make better decisions for themselves and their families. This not only improves individual lives but also strengthens society as a whole.
I think you explained Amartya Sen’s ideas about freedom and unfreedom very clearly. Your example of poverty and limited job opportunities is a strong example of how economic conditions can limit people’s ability to make choices about their lives. I also agree that improving access to stable jobs and fair income can help people gain more opportunities and live the life they value.
1. Freedom according to Amartya Sen Amartya Sen understands freedom not only as a formal right or the ability to choose, but as the real opportunity to live a life that a person values. He distinguishes several aspects: Instrumental freedom These are the means that help a person achieve their goals. It includes education, healthcare, economic resources, and the right to participate in political life. Example - a person may have the right to vote, but without knowledge or information, they cannot use it meaningfully. Capability / Opportunities freedom This is the ability to actually choose and act according to one’s values, not just have the formal right. In Sen’s view, freedom - the ability to “live a life one has reason to value.” Example. A person may have a job, but if the working conditions force them to suffer or leave no time for family, this is not true freedom. Political and social freedom Freedom means the ability to participate in decision-making, express opinions, and engage in social life. It ensures that a person can contribute to collective decisions and be a full citizen. 2. Unfreedom according to Amartya Sen Sen emphasizes that unfreedom is not only obvious coercion, but also subtle restrictions that limit opportunities: Economic unfreedom Poverty or lack of resources limits real opportunities. Even if a person has the formal right to choose, without sufficient resources, they cannot exercise it. Example. A person may have the right to education, but if they cannot buy books or attend school, their opportunities are effectively restricted. Social unfreedom Discrimination, social stigma, or traditional/cultural norms restrict behavior. Example. Women or ethnic minorities may be forbidden to work in certain fields or participate in politics. Political and legal unfreedom Repressive regimes, censorship, or forced obedience prevent a person from acting freely, even if formal rights exist. Example - in a dictatorship, speech may be legally free, but in practice people are afraid to express their opinions. Based on Amartya Sen’s definitions of freedom and unfreedom, one relevant form of unfreedom in Lithuania is economic and social unfreedom faced by mothers returning to the labor market after maternity leave. Although women formally have the right to return to work, in practice they often face obstacles – employers may reduce their responsibilities, lower their salary, or offer less favorable positions, and societal stereotypes limit their career opportunities. This is important because these women cannot fully realize their capabilities or choose the life they value, which has long-term effects not only on their economic independence but also on social equality and the overall efficiency of the labor market. Based on Amartya Sen’s definitions, one relevant form of unfreedom in Lithuania is economic unfreedom among youth due to labor market requirements. Many young people want to start working, but employers often require previous work experience, which they do not yet have. Although young people formally have the opportunity to work, in practice they cannot realize their capabilities to start a career and gain independence. This is important because this situation limits young people’s ability to choose their life path, achieve their goals, and contribute to society, reinforcing economic inequality and preventing youth from fully participating in the labor market.
In simple terms, Sen explains that freedom is not just having rights, but having the real opportunities to use those rights and live a life a person values. This includes access to education, healthcare, jobs, and participation in political and social life.
In Amartya Sen‘s ethics of substantial freedom, freedom is explained as a the real opportunity people can choose and live the kind of life they value so that our lives could be richer and we can be fuller social persons. Sen explains five groups of different instrumental freedoms: 1) Political freedoms- can be described as being able to participate in political decisions, express yourself, being able to vote. 2) Economic facilities- being able to use economic resources, access to income. 3) Social opportunities- being able to access health care, quality education. 4) Transparency guarantees- being able to expect clear information. This can prevent abuse of power, corruption. 5) Protective security- social safety nets that protect people in difficult times. According to Sen, unfreedom can mean that a person doesn‘t have full access to political, economic, social and other opportunities. Without these opportunities, people cannot live the way they want to. One example of unfreedom in Lithuania are the lives of people with disabilities. This unfreedom is shaped by inaccesible public spaces, transportation, discrimantion in employment and other areas. For instance, quite recently, the automatic doors at my city’s hospital were replaced. Before that, the entrance had double doors that were very difficult to open, and for people with disabilities it was practically impossible to enter the building on their own. You can also see many so‑called “ramps” next to staircases that are absurdly steep and unusable. I also remember that not long ago the curbs on city streets were not adapted for people with mobility impairments, and accessing public transport was an even bigger challenge. According to data from the State Audit Office, at the beginning of 2025 about 80 % of buildings in Lithuania were not adapted for people with disabilties. According to The Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, Birutė Sabatauskaitė, the office continues to receive complaints about public places- especially restaurants that do not provide toilets for people with disabiltiies. The situation in shopping centres is equally problematic- toilets exist but they are usually locked. Then people have to “prove“ their disability through calls or video cameras. According to Sabatauskaitė (2026) many disabilities are not visible and such procedures can undermine person‘s dignity. According to data from the Ministry Of Social Security and Labour, in 2022 there were 147.5 thousand working people- age people with disabilities in LIthuania and only about 30 percent of them were employed. This can be connected with stereotypes and fears about people with disabilities, ableism, not enough support in finding jobs, employers inflexibility, inaccesible workplaces and insufficient education. It‘s important to solve these problems because only the achievement of equality and social inclusion for people with disabilities will allow them to participate in social life and ensure their freedoms.
List of references: 1. Lygių galimybių kontrolieriaus tarnyba. (2026). Visuomenė sutinka – viešąsias erdves reikia pritaikyti žmonėms su negalia, net jei tai brangu. ManoTeisės. https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/visuomene-sutinka-viesasias-erdves-reikia-pritaikyti-zmonems-su-negalia-net-jei-tai-brangu/ 2. Lygių galimybių kontrolieriaus tarnyba. (2024). Žmonių su negalia įdarbinimo procesas: iššūkiai ir galimybės. ManoTeisės. https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/zmoniu-su-negalia-idarbinimo-procesas-issukiai-ir-galimybes/
I agree with Greta’s observation that when people with disabilities are required to prove their disability in order to access basic services, this can undermine their dignity. Situations where individuals have to justify or demonstrate their disability through phone calls, cameras or other verification processes can lead to feelings of humiliation and exclusion. Such practices can reinforce social barriers and contribute to the stigmatization of people with disabilities, especially given that some disabilities are not visible.
From a human rights perspective, accessibility should not be understood as a privilege, but as a fundamental condition for equal participation in society. When public spaces, services or facilities require people to repeatedly prove their needs, this reflects structural shortcomings in ensuring an inclusive environment. In this context, the issue is not only physical accessibility, but also respect for the dignity, autonomy and equality of the individual. Therefore, the creation of systems that trust individuals and ensure barrier-free access without unnecessary screening would be an important step in strengthening social inclusion and defending the rights of people with disabilities.
Hey Julius Your text explains well how Amartya Sen sees freedom as the real ability to live with dignity, not just having rights on paper. The example of elderly poverty in Lithuania shows how limited income and support can reduce people’s opportunities to live comfortably and participate in society. From an African perspective, elderly people face similar challenges and some are sometimes socially excluded from society though traditional society believes that caring for older people is seen as a shared responsibility, so improving pensions and social support would help ensure elders live with respect and security.
Amartya Sen’s definitions of freedom and unfreedom Amartya Sen understands freedom not simply as the absence of restrictions. For him, freedom means that people actually have the real opportunity to live the life they value. This includes access to education, healthcare, social participation, and the ability to express one’s identity without fear. In Sen’s thinking, freedom is closely connected with what he calls capabilities – what a person is realistically able to do and to be.
Unfreedom appears when these real possibilities are limited or blocked. Sen explains that unfreedom can exist because of poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, lack of education, or political restrictions. Even when people formally have rights, their freedom is still limited if social conditions prevent them from using those rights in practice.
For Sen, development should therefore be understood as the expansion of human freedoms and the removal of the barriers that prevent people from living with dignity.
One form of unfreedom in my country. In Lithuania, one form of unfreedom that I would like to see change is the insufficient protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
Formally, Lithuania is a democratic country where human rights are recognized. However, in reality, LGBTQ+ people still face many limitations. For example, same-sex couples do not have the same legal recognition as heterosexual couples. This means they cannot fully access the same family rights, legal protections, or social recognition.
In addition to legal issues, there is also social pressure. Some LGBTQ+ people still feel unsafe expressing their identity openly, especially in smaller communities or workplaces. This shows that even if certain freedoms exist on paper, the real capability to live openly and safely may still be limited.
From the perspective of Amartya Sen, this situation can be understood as a form of unfreedom, because people do not have equal opportunities to live the lives they value.
For me, this issue is important because freedom should apply to everyone equally. A society becomes stronger when people can live openly, without fear or discrimination. Expanding equal rights and social acceptance would therefore not only support LGBTQ+ individuals but would also increase the overall level of human freedom in society.
Amartya Sen's definitions of freedom and unfreedom: Freedom – real capability to live the live one really values. A person is given equal opportunities as others to live the life their wish to live. And to have this freedom person has to have access to education, healthcare, resources, social participation, political influence, safety. Amartya Sen focuses on “substantial freedom” and that means freedom when people are actually able to do or become, not just what others do not prevent them from doing. Unfreedom – conditions that restrict people’s real opportunities. Examples of unfreedom include poverty, lack of education, poor health, unsafe environments, lack of social support, lack of political voice, discrimination, lack of economic opportunities. Even if a person is not coerced (so they have negative freedom), these conditions still produce unfreedom because they limit real capabilities to live a fulfilling life. I think one of main forms of unfreedom in Lithuania is lack of economic opportunities. According to data represented by statistics department of Lithuania in 2024 The at-risk-of-poverty rate in Lithuania reached 21.5%, which means approximately 620,000 people were living below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold. This represents an increase of 0.9 percentage points compared to 2023 data. Even so that life in Lithuania is improving rapidly, because of economic growth, this improvement is mainly in urban areas, people in rural areas experience unemployment in very high numbers. In urban areas, the poverty rate is 18%, but in rural areas it rises to 29.4%. I think it’s very important to change this, because when such a huge portion of population is experiencing poverty there is a huge friction between urban and rural areas. In media it’s often referred to as a “Two Lithuanians” problem. People in urban areas often neglect poverty experiences in rural areas. Common opinion in urban areas is that people in other parts of the country simply don’t work enough and are dependent on government aid because they are lazy. This kind of friction is used by far-right political parties and in latest Seimas elections far-right party “Nemuno Aušra” won a lot of seats in the parliament. I think in the future if poverty is not solved, we will have more and more far-right politicians in the parliament and who knows where this may lead.
Sen argues that freedom is the capacity to freely choose one’s means of happiness (Sen, 1999). Unfreedom, then, is the barriers in place that inhibit or coerce this choice. Sen believes that the greater the freedom one has, the more likely they are to be happy. To operationalize these freedoms, he introduces the paradigm of positive and negative rights. Positive in the sense of facilitating the exercise of rights. Negative in protecting non-interference from infringing on these rights. Happiness is possible when one has both the capacity to determine one's own definition of happiness and the freedom to exercise it.
As an immigration specialist, I see one form of unfreedom as the lack of legal status. The arbitrary inability to attain legal permanent residence and citizenship serves as a barrier to existing in US society. Without legal status, migrants do not have a social security number or work authorization. This not only makes them ineligible for public benefits such as SNAP, cash assistance, housing assistance, and Medicaid, but also prevents them from legally working. I wish that undocumented migrants could pursue accessible means to change their status, such that they can fully self-actualize in our society. To not just survive in the shadows but to thrive as persons with so much to offer to the US.
Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press.
I think your example of applying legal status as a form of “unfreedom” is particularly compelling. The absence of legal status creates structural barriers that prevent migrants from accessing employment, healthcare, housing, and other resources necessary for stability and wellbeing, and places people in increasingly vulnerable positions, completely disregarding the fact that much of the population lacking a legal status was pushed out of their countries for motives of similar violence and vulnerabilities. With the changing of times and policies, legal status and documentation is such an arbitrary thing, and it is incredibly sad to think how some set of people or beliefs or rules dictate who is deserving of their protections and rights and who is not, and pieces of paperwork are able to dehumanize and deny migrants of their dignity and basic human rights and needs.
Amartya Sen, in his work Development as Freedom, reports that development is the growth of people’s freedoms, which, in turn, are their real opportunities to live the lives they choose. He puts forth five main freedoms: political, economic, social, transparent, and protected security. Unfreedom in Sierra Leone We see in the case of Sierra Leone that a form of unfreedom is the large-scale issue of girls’ and women’s access to education, which is very limited. Poverty, early marriage, and gender based discrimination are the main players which keep girls out of school. This is an issue of social and economic opportunities as per Sen’s model. Also, this is tied to political corruption and weak institutions, which, in turn, contribute to reduced support and funding for education. Also, Sierra Leone's Civil War damaged the education system. By improving girls’ access to education, we will see an expansion of their freedoms, an increase in economic opportunity, and greater gender equality in Sierra Leone.
Amartya Sen, in his work on development and human freedom, explains that freedom should be understood not only as the absence of restrictions but also as the presence of real opportunities that allow people to live the kind of life they value. According to Sen, development is essentially the expansion of human freedoms. In this perspective, freedom includes both political and social conditions that allow individuals to make meaningful choices. Sen identifies several key types of freedom that contribute to human well-being and social progress. These include political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and protective security.
Political freedoms refer to the rights that allow individuals to participate in political processes, express their opinions, vote, and influence decision-making. These freedoms are fundamental in democratic societies because they allow citizens to hold governments accountable and ensure that policies reflect the needs of the population. Economic facilities refer to the opportunities people have to use economic resources for consumption, production, or exchange. This includes access to employment, fair wages, and the ability to participate in economic life without discrimination or structural barriers. Social opportunities include access to essential services such as education and healthcare, which enable individuals to develop their capabilities and participate fully in society. Transparency guarantees refer to the openness and trust in social interactions, including the expectation that institutions and governments will operate honestly and without corruption. Protective security refers to social safety nets that protect people from extreme poverty, unemployment, or sudden economic crises.
In contrast, Sen defines unfreedom as conditions that limit or restrict people's ability to live the life they value. Unfreedom can occur when individuals are deprived of political rights, when they lack access to economic opportunities, when social institutions fail to provide education or healthcare, or when corruption and lack of transparency undermine trust in public systems. Unfreedom can also be caused by poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, or violence. These factors prevent people from exercising their capabilities and participating equally in society.
Using Sen’s framework, one form of unfreedom that exists in Lithuania is poverty and economic inequality, particularly among vulnerable groups such as single parents, elderly people living alone, and individuals in rural areas. Although Lithuania is a developed European country with democratic institutions and social services, economic disparities remain significant. Some people still struggle to meet their basic needs due to low wages, limited employment opportunities, or insufficient social support. This situation can limit individuals' ability to access education, healthcare, housing, and other resources that are necessary for a dignified life.
According to Amartya Sen, freedom means having the real ability or opportunity for individuals to live the kind of life they have reason to value. It is not merely the possession of formal legal rights, but the substantive capability to actually exercise those rights. In this, Sen identifies five “instrumental freedoms” which encompass human rights and needs. These include: Political freedoms (of participating and of expression), economic freedoms (access to jobs and resources), social opportunity to access quality education and healthcare, transparency and honesty in institutional guarantees, and protective security (stable and accessible social safety nets). Although these freedoms are claimed as people’s rights in many places, including my own country, the rights to things like healthcare and education, although promised, are not always tied to an actually sustainable or even accessible healthcare and education systems, among others. Unfreedom on the other hand is referring to the conditions that restrict a person’s capabilities and opportunities, such as oppression, coercion, and corruption, but also tracing back to systemic forms of this violence and oppression, meaning structural barriers like poverty, discrimination, and a lack of access to social services, healthcare, education, etc.
One form of unfreedom in Mexico that is unfortunately increasingly prevalent and profoundly important to our community’s living conditions is the lack of transparency in institutional guarantees, specifically manifested through internal corruption. According to Sen’s framework, transparency provides a culture of openness and trust and ensures that people can engage with and access institutions and the government with an expectation of honesty. We live in a democratic country, but people’s vulnerability is taken advantage of and perpetuated to keep those in power wealthy and in control. Organized crime is infiltrated into so many territories but more specifically they are the hand that moves withing governmental agencies at local and national levels, and so the allocation of resources, funding, and serving of justice is not in the best interests of the people, but in the best interests for those in power and at the service of large sums of money. This ultimately erodes our social systems and our justice systems, and takes away from citizen’s opportunity to access the resources and infrastructures that are said to be in place to help.
Amartya Sen in his book Development as Freedom, defines freedom as the types of rights and opportunities that help advance the general capability of a person. According to Sen, there are five distinct types of freedoms: political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and protective security all of which complement one another and serve as the foundation of human development (2002). On the other hand, unfreedom is the antithesis of these tenets; Sen provides examples of poverty, lack of healthcare or sanitary facilities, and marginalized political or social presence as exemplars of unfreedoms in global society.
One form of unfreedom in the USA I wish I could change is the lack of accessible and affordable healthcare. As a nursing student, one of my primary responsibilities is to educate myself on my country’s social and political systems, how they affect the care I can give, and how my future patients will receive said care. Too many people in the United States suffer adverse health consequences because their financial situation prevented them from seeking medical care. One of the most harrowing examples are diabetes patients, who often neglect the management of their condition because they cannot keep up with the egregious cost of insulin. Many conservative politicians argue this is the case because many individuals lack health insurance, but even middle-class Americans with adequate health insurance face financial strife when it comes to medical bills, especially after going through complicated procedures such as childbirth, or major surgery. This issue is so important because the USA is one of the global leaders in medical research and advancements, therefore, its citizens should not be bombarded with medical dept.
Thank you for mentioning healthcare. Here in Europe we hear horror stories from USA of insane amount of bills for the ambulance ride or as you mentioned, giving birth. I cannot comprehend this system and how it is still practiced. I understand that my country also have issues related to the public healthcare but compared to what is happening in the USA, it's nothing... How can a society upgrade itself when all attention is onto moneymaking to afford basic healthcare? As mentioned by Sen, economic unfreedom other freedoms are also restricted. As you mentioned - USA is the leader in medical research, but so many people struggle to get basic medical care. And do you think this could ever change? Thank you for bringing this up.
Amartya Sen explains how real freedom is not only written on paper, but also is something that should be exercised by people to have real opportunities of freedom. For him, there are few main freedoms, such as political freedom – where people can vote, express their opinion without being prosecuted. Second one is economic, where person can work, earn, and support themselves or their kids without being in poverty. Their basic human needs are satisfied. Amartya Sen also talks about social opportunities, which allow people to get an education. Sen also mentions protective society which means that society provides its members with protection during the loss ow loved ones, while raising children, during most crucial life events etc. Freedoms, written on a paper, and just declared with big words, stays just that – words. For it to reach people, change life for a better, it takes change of institutions, laws, mindsets. According to Sen, unfreedom happens when one of those conditions are limited. For example, job market is scares and people cannot earn money or payment is too low to live comfortable life. That is what happens to some part of people living in Lithuania. Economic unfreedom caused by low salaries and high cost of living. In Lithuania, many young people work full time, but still struggle to afford housing, their future plans are limited and some decide to leave the home country for the better economic prospects elsewhere. While reading Sen and other comments, it makes sense that economic unfreedom is one of the most restricting since it affects if people are able to move to a bigger city for better career opportunities, how many children they can have, healthier lifestyle etc. As Sen mentions, economic freedom helps for the society to develop other freedoms and choose the life people want accordingly.
Having freedom is explained as having opportunities, capacities, resources, and being able to use them in order to live the way one wants and desires. For this definition, it is also important not only to have the opportunities, but also not to have any obstacles to use them. I see it in the context of Maslow’s pyramid, which I visualize as being secured on all needs levels. Unfreedom is the opposite of freedom, when people have no access to the opportunities to live the life the way they want. It is also about limiting the opportunity to access the opportunities.
In Ukraine, the most obvious form of unfreedom that exists today is the war. Russian aggression ruined the lives of many and made life difficult for everyone. The basic need of survival is blurred, and people can’t be sure they have access to it. On a daily basis, we have constant stress and huge problems with work, education, and ironically, plans for the future. The future is unknown, and 4 years ago, we all realized that we have no idea what the next day will bring. We know now at least that it’s not necessarily something good. We have no freedom, we are not allowed to live a free life, but we hope and pray that we will soon.
The situation you described in Ukraine shows how war can take away basic freedoms such as safety, stability, education, and the ability to plan for the future. And your comparison with Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is also insightful, because when survival and security are threatened, it becomes very difficult for people to achieve other goals in life. A similar form of unfreedom can also be seen in Cameroon, particularly because of the Anglophone Crisis. In many communities, violence, displacement, and school closures have limited people’s opportunities to live the lives they want. Just like in Ukraine, many families experience fear, economic hardship, and uncertainty about the future. This shows how conflict can destroy not only physical security but also the freedom people have to pursue education, work, and personal development.
Sen describes freedom as the expansion of people’s real, substantive opportunities to live the kind of lives they have reason to value. Sen’s definition of unfreedom includes conditions that restrict a person’s ability to develop and exercise their capabilities.
There are so many unfreedoms in the US that I wish I could change but if I could only choose one it would be the ack of access to healthcare. People should have the right to be healthy, to get the medications they deserve, to be treated in emergencies and not have to go into debt doing so. If there is no access to necessary medical care people throughout the society of incapable of maintaining their health which may cause them to have to take of work or stop working completely, which digs them into an ever-deeper hole of debt. These people can end up unhoused or in unsafe situations do to not getting the care they need for their physical/mental health.
I couldn’t agree more, because in a country that likes to promote how good it is, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Even our most basic human rights come with a price which is just contradicting to the statement. Across many laws, policies, and constitutions this is indoctrinate. The right to food, water, health, and more, yet the common issue that many countries face this is one’s economic status. The idea of seeking help for many people is stressful because with insurance many hospitals and clinics will not attend to your needs, now to seek government aid for health insurance means you will receive decent services if you get approved for Medicare or Medicaid. As we know medical treatments are expensive even for just a checkup there is a cost, with the financial help of insurance the cost out of put can range for 20 dollars to thousands of dollars. If you need an ambulance on sight, there goes a couple thousand dollars that does not include the E.R. trip, what they are treating you for, the exams that were performed, and the cost of medication if needed. This leads to many health issues progressing until forced to seek help, which in some cases can be too late for good outcomes or treatments. Sadly, our country holds an imminence amount of greedy that money is the sole focus for many, someone because they need it and others because they want more.
I agree, medical services is a vital human right and all people must have access to it. It's unfortunate that capitalism made it a luxury to have access to those services.
Amarya Sen defines freedom in a bold, expansive fashion as it relates to any given country or society. He states that freedom is not just the simple allowance of human beings to exist as they please, but the active removal of barriers that prevent them from living the lives that they aspire to. This definition is inherently empowering to ordinary people, as they act as the main agents of their life’s path. Sen argues that with freedom, people are free to exercise the full extent of their capabilities, meaning that they are able to survive and thrive free from harm, and live, work, love and play how they so choose in their chosen environment. Thus, in contrast to freedom, “unfreedom” is the presence of barriers that lead to human beings being unable to achieve their capabilities. These barriers include, but are not limited to, poverty, lack of adequate welfare programs, tyranny, lack of bodily autonomy, and lack of free speech (Sen, 1999). When considering my home country of the United States, there are a myriad of unfreedoms that stand in the way of the full achievement of the country’s slogan of “Land of the Free.” One of these is the lack of adequate food assistance programs as provided by the government, which stands in the way of people achieving their capability of living a full, healthy life and being well fed, if we frame nutrition as a condition of freedom. Currently, the United States has the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which notoriously is very limited in the funds that it provides each month. For a single person household, the minimum SNAP benefit amount is just $24 per month, which is hardly enough to even feed oneself for one day, let alone one month. Additionally, in order to receive benefits, able bodied adults must prove that they are either working or searching for work. Not only is this process tedious and time consuming, often involving a back and forth with a case manager, but insinuates that people are undeserving of basic nutrition unless they “contribute” something back to society. This is a reflection of the hyper individualistic society that America is, and is an unfreedom as it “robs people of the freedom to satisfy hunger, or to achieve sufficient nutrition” (Sen, 1999, p.5).
Amartya Sen breakdown the concept of freedom referred to as “substantial freedom” realistic outcomes people face in their lives. Interference is mentioned in the text but it not sole based on that but the actual capabilities to be able to achieve those goals on might have, this can be either in their education, economic stability, health, and political stances. Having substantial freedom allows for the development in abilities for people to make impactful decisions and being involved in the world around them. There were five instrumental freedoms Sen talked about, there are political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and lastly protective security. Now what is political freedom, it is described as being able to vote, freedom in expressing opinions as well as criticizing the government, and partaking in political decisions. As for economic facilities, this looks like having access to resources, including jobs, and markets which allow for financial opportunities that are required in consumption, trade, and production to process such things. Social opportunities are the access to education, social services, and health care that allow people to receive help in developing their skills and capabilities. Moving onto transparency guarantees this is displayed as having trust in our institutions; examples can be the government and businesses operating without corruption if anything being honest with citizens and consumers. Lastly there is protective security this being safety net for people that face hardships like unemployment, being provide with benefits, there is disaster relief for people impacted by with human made or natural disaster, these are only some the programs in place to essentially prevent extreme poverty. With all of this also comes unfreedom, as Sen views it lacking real opportunity, if someone faces illness, poverty, poor education, and institutional weaknesses, this can hinder the ability to live a life people value. In the United States unfortunately our population due face these complications in life and we have many. This one is a social opportunity being the disparity in affordable healthcare. People struggle in affording medical insurance, treatment, and prescribed medications. If health is considered a right, one would think it should not be difficult in seeking care but due to the high cost this reality is difficult and for other impossible to do. This impacts people without citizenship because with a social security number the able to find a job is challenging because in job applications one is required, forcing people to seek jobs that exploit them which means they are not entitled to medical insurance. Sadly, most hospitals and clinics will not attend to your needs if you have no insurance, making the cost out of pocket more expensive, hence why people suffer with illness and pain because they are unable to afford any help. This prevents people’s substantial freedom because an effect of poor health is the inability to go to work and school. With having more affordable healthcare that people can access, people’s substantial freedom will have a positive trajectory in building their opportunities which Sen believes is needed in public policy.
According to Amartya Sen, freedom is not all about enjoying political rights but also about people having opportunities economically and socially. The ability for people to participate, express their opinions, and have access to education, healthcare, and social services is of great value and dignity. In his book, he explains several forms of unfreedom as restrictions on people's capabilities. Sen's idea or perspective of unfreedom can be commonly seen in most developing countries, such as Cameroon, where limited access to economic opportunities and security caused by the ongoing socio-political conflict has disrupted education, destroyed businesses, and displaced families. According to Sen's. This form of unfreedom, particularly the loss of social opportunities and economic facilities, stands as a barrier, causing people not to freely access education, employment, or stable livelihoods. This crisis has greatly affected people's normal lives by limiting children's access to education, and for others, loss of businesses or farms due to insecurity and displacement. Many young people are graduates with so much good potential and skills, but still struggle to find stable jobs or real opportunities, or resources to use their skills productively. As a result, forcing young people to either migrate to other countries for greener pastures, while others remain trapped in poverty, dependence on humanitarian aid, or unstable work. Sen suggests a better solution to this form of unfreedom will begin by improving job opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, education, and vocational training, which will greatly contribute positively in the lives of young people to fully develop the capabilities and allow them to regain their freedom, rebuild their communities and live a more meaningful and independent lives.
In Bangladesh, a major form of unfreedom is educational inequality in school. This is the big gap between the high-quality education rich students get in cities, and the lower-quality education poor students get in rural villages. The education depends on money. While most children now go to school, the quality of their learning depends on how much money their parents have. This is an "unfreedom of social opportunity" because it gives some children a huge head start while leaving others behind before they even grow up.
I worked with Teach for Bangladesh. And they are now working to remove this educational inequality. I have seen more closely when I also visited some schools in rural areas. I wish to change this because, in social work, we believe in social justice. Every child deserves a quality education. When a school in a village has no electricity or not enough trained teachers, those students are denied the "capability" to compete for good jobs or understand their legal rights. This keeps poor families trapped in a cycle of poverty for many generations. Changing this issue is very important because education is the best way to give people agency, which means the power to act for themselves. If every child in Bangladesh has access to the same high-quality education, they can have the freedom to protect their health and speak up for their rights. By removing the barrier of educational inequality, we allow every young person to help build a better future
Applying Sen’s framework to Lithuania, one form of unfreedom that stands out is the social and economic exclusion of people released from prison.
ReplyDeleteFormer prisoners often face: limited employment opportunities (economic unfreedom); social stigma and discrimination (social unfreedom); restricted access to housing and social services (protective insecurity); reduced participation in civic life (process unfreedom).
According to Sen’s capability approach, this situation represents a deprivation of substantive freedom. Even if former prisoners legally possess political rights, they may lack the real capability to secure stable employment, rebuild social relationships, and participate fully in society.
Another group experiencing unfreedom in Lithuania are people with disabilities. Many face: limited employment opportunities (economic unfreedom); physical and social barriers in accessing public spaces and services (social and process unfreedom); reduced participation in community and civic life (process unfreedom).
Addressing these constraints is important because it affects equality, social inclusion, and human dignity, reflecting Sen’s view that true development requires expanding real capabilities for all individuals, enabling them to lead lives they value.
2. Amartya Sen understands freedom as a person's ability to live the life they want. He says that freedom is not just the right to vote or have a job. Freedom is much broader - it is the opportunity to learn, work, receive assistance, feel safe, and be protected from injustice. Sen distinguishes several types of freedom: political freedom, economic opportunities, social opportunities, protective freedom, and just institutions.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Sen, unfreedom occurs when a person's opportunities are narrowed. This can be poverty, discrimination, limited access to services, violence, or simply social norms that restrict a person's choices. Unfreedom does not necessarily mean physical restraint - often it is simply situations that prevent a person from living the way they want to. Looking at Lithuania, it seems to me that one form of bondage is the vulnerability of people going through divorce. Divorce often means not only emotional hardship, but also a real reduction in opportunities. One person has to bear a greater financial burden, especially if they are left with children. Single mothers in Lithuania often face lower incomes, greater responsibility, and less support. This limits their economic opportunities and choices. In addition, people going through divorce often feel lonely, sometimes feeling judged or even blamed by those around them. This reduces their social opportunities and self-confidence. It is not always easy to get psychological or legal help, and institutions do not always provide quick and clear solutions. All this means that for a while after a divorce, a person has far fewer opportunities than before – and this corresponds to Sen's definition of bondage.
I think it is important to change this situation. People should not be "punished" for the fact that their relationship did not work out. There should be more help for single parents, more accessible services, and less stigma. When a person receives the necessary help after a divorce and is able to rebuild their life, they regain their freedom - as Sen understands it.
When speaking about freedom and unfreedom, Amartya Sen understands freedom not only as a formal right to choose, but as a real opportunity to live the kind of life a person has reason to value. In his view, freedom means capabilities – what a person is actually able to do and to be. Freedom includes political rights, economic opportunities, access to social services such as education and healthcare, transparency, and protection from insecurity. In other words, freedom is both the goal and the means of development.
ReplyDeleteUnfreedom, according to Sen, is not limited to open oppression or dictatorship. Unfreedom exists when a person’s capabilities are restricted – because of poverty, dependency, social inequality, limited access to education, weak institutions, or restrictive cultural norms. Even if we formally have rights, but lack real opportunities to use them, we experience unfreedom.
Based on Sen’s definitions, one form of unfreedom in Lithuania that I would like to change is structural dependency and limited self-sufficiency, despite formal political freedom. We live in a free democratic country. We can travel, choose our profession, and express our opinions. However, at the same time, we are highly dependent on services, markets, technologies, and energy systems from abroad. Economically and digitally, we are tied to global processes that we do not control. This means that our real opportunities are partly shaped by decisions made outside our country.
We are also bound by our history. Historical experience shapes our identity, political decisions, and even our fears. History gives us strength, but it can also limit our thinking if we rely only on past traumas or narratives when making decisions. An important question arises: what will happen when history becomes less relevant to younger generations? Will we be able to build freedom based on present opportunities rather than only on past experiences?
Another tension I see through Sen’s perspective is the relationship between individualism and community responsibility. We consider ourselves free individuals who have the right to choose our own life path. At the same time, we are morally and socially expected to take care of our family, children, elderly parents, and even neighbors. This is not negative - community is a strength. However, when social systems are not strong enough, responsibility shifts entirely onto the individual. In that case, freedom becomes conditional: you are free only as long as you can manage risks on your own.
This form of unfreedom seems important to me because it is less visible. We do not experience direct oppression, yet our capabilities are limited by structural factors - economic dependency, social inequalities, and cultural expectations. According to Sen, real freedom means being able to choose without fear, without excessive dependency, and with genuine social support.
Therefore, I believe the key direction for change would be strengthening local community resilience, critical thinking, economic sustainability, and access to social services. Freedom should not be only declared - it must be practically realized through real opportunities for every person.
I agree that declared freedom without real opportunities becomes merely a formal concept. This is particularly evident in social work – people may have the right to choose, but if they lack financial resources, social support, or access to information, that choice becomes very limited. Therefore, investment in social services and the development of critical thinking are essential if we want to speak about genuine, rather than merely symbolic, freedom.
DeleteAmartya Sen argues that true freedom is not only the absence of coercion, but also the opportunity for people to actually live the life they value. He calls this "substantial freedom," which means real opportunities to act, choose, and do what is important to a person. Sen argues that freedom is what expands our opportunities, allows us to be fully human, make decisions, and participate in life.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, lack of freedom occurs when a person lacks real opportunities. This can be poverty, illness, social exclusion, or limited services - even if a person formally has rights, they cannot exercise them. Sen emphasizes that true freedom is not money or merely freedom from coercion, but rather the ability to do what allows a person to live with dignity.
Based on this view, it seems to me that one clear form of bondage in Lithuania is the limited opportunities for people with dementia and their relatives to receive adequate assistance. Although services formally exist, in practice many families are left alone: there is a shortage of places in day centers, and relatives are often forced to give up work and devote all their time to the patient. This is a form of bondage because both the sick person and their family cannot live as they would like to - they lose the opportunity to work, relax, participate in society, and plan for their future.
It is important to me that this lack of freedom is reduced, because according to Sen's idea, true freedom arises when a person has real opportunities, not just rights. People with dementia and their loved ones often do not have a choice - they are simply trapped by the situation. If there were more accessible assistance in the country, they could live more comfortably, have more peace of mind, and more freedom to create the life they want for themselves.
LINA VYŠNIAUSKIENĖ
ReplyDeleteAmartya Sen understands freedom not as theoretical and formal rights, but as a real opportunity to use them. These are economic, social, political opportunities, security and transparency. Sen's definition of captivity is also important - these are restrictions that cannot be used to one's own potential. If a person experiences poverty or unemployment, then he has an economic barrier that prevents him from using the rights granted to him.
In Lithuania, I would see poverty and social exclusion in the regions. Although our country has political rights to health, the right to vote and formal equality, some people cannot receive quality education, well-paid work, timely health services (how long are the waiting lines for medical specialists), become independent of social support. This is an important problem in Lithuania, because it limits human choices, weakens democracy. Thus, according to Sen, the fight against poverty is the restoration of freedom. It is very important to invest in education in the regions, increase access to health, and create economic opportunities. These imprisonments in Lithuania limit people's opportunities to fully participate in society and realize their potential.
According to Sen, these are real opportunities and a full life.
According to Amartya Sen, freedom is about having real opportunities to live the life you value. It’s not just about being left alone; it means being able to be healthy, get an education, work, participate in your community, and live safely. Freedom is about having choices and being able to use them. Amartya Sen also talks about negative freedom, which means being free from interference or harm. For example, no one can hurt you, steal from you, or stop you from speaking your mind. While negative freedom is important, it’s not enough by itself because people may still lack the resources or opportunities to live fully. Unfreedom happens when people cannot fully use their abilities or make meaningful choices because of social, economic, or political barriers. It’s not just being forced; it’s also being trapped by circumstances like poverty, sickness, or lack of education. Unfreedom limits what people can do and stops them from living a full and meaningful life.
ReplyDeleteAs an example, Sen makes a distinction between fasting voluntarily for religious reasons and going without food because of poverty. If a person fasts voluntarily, for example for religious beliefs, they have a real choice and can stop anytime. This shows substantial freedom, because the person can control their own actions. Going without food due to poverty, however, is a form of unfreedom. In this case, the person cannot choose - they are forced to fast because they do not have enough food. This limits their opportunities to live a full life and use their capabilities.
An example of unfreedom in Lithuania is unequal access to quality education in rural areas. Students in small towns often have fewer resources and less experienced teachers compared to those in larger cities like Vilnius. This limits their ability to develop skills and make meaningful choices in life. Improving schools, teacher training, and digital resources in rural areas is important because it gives all children a fair chance to reach their potential, strengthens their capabilities, and helps build a more equal and prosperous society.
1. Amartya Sen's definitions of freedom and non-freedom Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen argues in his theory that development and well-being should be measured in terms of people's freedoms - their real opportunities to live the life they value.
ReplyDeleteFreedom.According to Sen, freedom means: • Real opportunities to choose how to live. • The ability to pursue valuable life goals (e.g., to be healthy, to learn, to work, to participate in society). • The ability to make decisions and act without unreasonable restrictions.
In other words, a person is free when they have real opportunities to act and choose, and not just the formal right to do so.
Unfreedom. Sen defines freedom as situations that limit a person's ability to live the life they want. These can include: • poverty and lack of economic opportunity, • limited access to education or health care, • restrictions on political rights or participation in society, • social discrimination or institutional neglect.
Such conditions prevent people from realizing their abilities and are therefore considered forms of imprisonment.
2. An example of imprisonment in Lithuania. According to Amartya Sen's definitions of freedom and imprisonment, imprisonment occurs when people do not have real opportunities to live the life they value. These can be various social, economic or political restrictions that prevent a person from exercising their rights and opportunities. One example of imprisonment in Lithuania is the social and economic inequality experienced by people with disabilities. Although the law provides equal rights, in reality many people with disabilities face obstacles: it is more difficult for them to find work or use public services (not all cafes have accessibility), and some public spaces or buildings are still not fully adapted to their needs.
According to Sen's theory, this is imprisonment because these people do not have the same real opportunities as other members of society. This issue is important to address because greater accessibility, equal employment opportunities and better social integration would allow people with mobility disabilities to participate more actively in society and live more independent lives. This would increase their freedom and contribute to the creation of a more just society.
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DeleteI completely agree with Juratės opinion. As Amartya Sen emphasizes, freedom is not just formal rights but real opportunities to live the life a person values. In Lithuania, having legal rights does not mean that people with disabilities can fully participate in society. Without a supportive environment, equal employment opportunities, and necessary assistance, their freedom remains limited. This shows why it is important to create better living conditions so that people can truly exercise their freedom. From a social work perspective, appropriate support, such as counseling or help with employment, provides real opportunities to include people with disabilities in society and promote their independence. However, this is still not enough for people to fully enjoy the freedom they have.
DeleteThe definitions of freedom and unfreedom by Amartya Sen.
ReplyDeleteThe freedom according to Amartya Sen refers to the actual possibilities of people living the lives that they appreciate. It has access to education, healthcare, security and involvement in social and political life (Sen, 1999).
When these opportunities are restricted, then this is unfreedom. Sen says that there are various types of unfreedom such as:
poverty and economic deprivation
inadequate education and medical services
political oppression and restriction of civil liberties
discrimination and inequality in society
institutional corruption and untransparency
Sen argues that development should be understood as the expansion of these “substantial freedoms,” meaning the real capabilities people have to shape their lives (Sen, 1999).
Cases of unfreedom: anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in Russia.
Systemic discrimination of LGBTQ+ people is one of the forms of unfreedom in Russia. The so-called LGBT propaganda bans prevent the open discussion of queer identities in the media, education, and social life and the LGBTQ+ movement has been declared an extremist movement.
This is social and political unfreedom using the framework by Sen. LGBTQ+ individuals are limited in their self-expression, their engagement in the life of society, and their access to support networks. This restricts fundamental human functions including safe living, relationship building and identity (Sen, 1999).
The significance of this issue is that social work is founded on human rights and dignity. The increase in equality and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals would enhance better wellbeing and enable people to engage in society fully.
In my view, removing these restrictions would not only improve individual wellbeing but also expand social freedoms in Sen’s sense, allowing people to fully develop their capabilities and contribute to society (Sen, 1999).
Amartya Sen explains freedom as substantial freedom, which means real opportunities that people have to live the life they value. According to Sen, freedom is about having a chance to develop abilities and participate in society. He describes several types of freedom:
ReplyDelete• Political freedom – related to free participation in politics as well as freedom of expression.
• Social opportunities – includes education, social care.
• Economic facilities – refers to access to work and income.
• Protective security – basically is social work and support that protects people from extreme poverty.
Sen also talks about unfreedom, which occurs when people are limited to access the above opportunities. And that does not always mean direct oppression. People can experience unfreedom when they lack access to education, economic resources, healthcare or social support.
One form of unfreedom in Lithuania I would like to discuss is limited access to free mental health support for both children and adults. By that I mean access to psychotherapy and other forms of therapies to help them overcome challenging situations. In many places they face extremely long waiting lists, private practices are more available but many people can not afford them. Because of this many young people who do not necessarily need care of a social worker are limited to receiving the help they need.
In accordance to Sean’s idea of freedom, this refers to a problem of social opportunities. Without access to mental health support young people face limitations in building successful and mentally healthy future. This especially refers to children who may have experienced traumatic stress without being caught by the radar of social care system. They may live in officially not problematic families, but the situations they deal with are challenging and leave certain traces. Moreover, this can be ordinary teenagers who face difficulties at school (bullying, rejection, disorganised attachment, etc.). Limited access to such social opportunities may severely affect their future.
Hi, Agne, Your reflection clearly shows that you understand Amartya Sen’s idea of freedom as real opportunities, not only formal rights. I think you explain well the difference between freedom and unfreedom and how they relate to access to social resources. The example of mental health services in Lithuania is also very relevant.
DeleteI especially agree with your point that limited access to psychotherapy and mental health support can become a form of unfreedom. Even if young people technically have the right to receive help, extremely long waiting lists or the high cost of private services can make that help practically unreachable. In this sense, the freedom exists on paper, but not always in real life.
Your example also fits well with Sen’s idea of social opportunities, because access to mental health support directly affects a person’s ability to develop, study, work, and build healthy relationships. I also find your observation important that many young people who struggle emotionally may not fall into the category of “high-risk” families and therefore remain outside the social support system.
Overall, your analysis shows how social policy and access to services can strongly influence people’s real freedoms. Expanding accessible mental health support could therefore significantly strengthen young people’s capabilities and future opportunities.
For Amarya Sen, freedom means real opportunities that people possess to achieve the kind of life they value. It is not just about having laws written down on paper that gives freedom to people, but actually having the opportunity to exercise them.
ReplyDeleteHe goes into further explanation by defining different types of freedoms that can support developing human rights.
- Political Freedoms – This involves having the ability to participate in politics. For example, voting, expressing opinions and holding leaders accountable.
- Economic Facilities – This type of freedom means having access to resources, jobs, markets, and the ability to earn a livable wage.
- Social Opportunities – This means having access to quality education, healthcare, and other social services that can help people continue to develop.
- Transparency Guarantees – This is related to having a culture of openness, trust, and lack of corruption within institutions and relationships.
- Protective Security – This is referring to social safety nets that protect citizens from destitution. This includes famine relief or unemployment support.
According to Sen, Unfreedom refers to conditions that restrict people’s ability to live the life they value. Some examples of this include a lack of access to quality education or healthcare, corruption, or lack of transparency in institutions, or a lack of social safety nets.
Thinking about the unfreedoms that exist in my country is really eye opening. The United States loves to say that we are “The Land of the Free”. But when thinking about Sen’s definition of “Unfreedoms”, it is clear that many unfreedoms are present in the United States. The fact that some Americans get defensive when you want to acknowledge something like the existence of systemic racism, is due to this messaging around "freedom" within our country. When I consider the concept of unfreedom, it is clear that we are not as free as we think we are. One example I can think of is related to systemic racism in our country. Social opportunities such as having access to quality education or healthcare that Sen talks about are not equally available to everyone in the United States. Because of gerrymandering and racist policies that have not changed in decades, communities that are majority Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) do not have the same resources as majority white communities. In order to achieve the type of freedom that Sen talks about, it is prudent for there to be equal access to quality education and healthcare. The first step in obtaining the ability to live the life any individual wants to live is to have access to education. Quality education expands opportunities for individuals – they have more options for employment and to earn income. It also helps with their participation in the political realm. Having access to quality healthcare is also important because it allows for people to access preventative care, vaccinations, and avoid illness. The limited access to these resources in BIPOC communities is rooted in racism. If the United States wants to truly be “the Land of the Free” providing equal access to education and healthcare is very important.
The economist and philosopher Amartya Sen explains freedom as the real ability people have to live the kind of life they value. In his work Development as Freedom, he argues that development should not only be measured by economic growth but by the expansion of human freedoms.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Sen, freedom refers to the capabilities and opportunities people have to achieve valuable ways of living. It includes both the absence of restrictions and the presence of supportive social, economic, and political conditions that allow individuals to make meaningful choices about their lives.
Unfreedom refers to conditions that restrict people’s capabilities and prevent them from achieving well-being. These limitations often arise from social, economic, or political barriers rather than personal shortcomings. Sen identifies several forms of unfreedom, including, Poverty and economic deprivation, Lack of social opportunities such as education and healthcare, Political deprivation and lack of civil rights, Limited economic opportunities, Lack of transparency and protective security
If I could think of one significant form of unfreedom in India, it would be gender inequality and restrictions on women’s autonomy. In many parts of India, women still face barriers in accessing education, employment opportunities, and decision-making power within families and communities. Social norms, early marriage, and safety concerns often limit their mobility and participation in public life.
Using Sen’s framework, these restrictions represent a form of social and economic unfreedom because they limit women’s capabilities to pursue education, build careers, and participate equally in society. When women are denied these opportunities, their freedom to choose the life they value becomes restricted.
Addressing gender inequality is important because expanding women’s freedoms has broader benefits for society. Therefore, reducing gender-based barriers is essential for expanding real freedom and achieving more inclusive development in India.
Hi Niranjana,
DeleteI really liked your explanation of Amartya Sen’s ideas about freedom and unfreedom. You clearly showed how Sen believes development should be measured by people’s real opportunities, not just economic growth.
Your example of gender inequality in India was also very powerful. As you explained, barriers like limited access to education, early marriage, and social expectations can prevent women from fully participating in society. These restrictions limit women’s capabilities, which connects directly to Sen’s idea of unfreedom.
I also agree with your point that expanding women’s freedoms benefits society as a whole. When women have equal access to education and jobs, it can improve family well-being, economic growth, and community health.
Overall, your post did a great job connecting Sen’s theory to a real issue and explaining why reducing gender inequality is so important.
Yes, I agree with you, whether you live in Europe or India, addressing gender inequality is important because expanding women's freedoms provides broader benefits to society. Therefore, reducing gender-based barriers is essential to expanding true freedom and achieving more inclusive development around the world.
DeleteAmartya Sen explains freedom as more than just having rights written in laws. He believes freedom means people actually having the real ability and opportunities to live the kind of life they want. Sen describes five main types of freedom: political freedom, economic opportunities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and protective security. Political freedom means people can vote and share their opinions. Economic opportunities mean having access to jobs and ways to earn money. Social opportunities include things like education and healthcare. Transparency guarantees mean governments and organizations are honest and open. Protective security refers to support systems, like welfare programs, that help people during difficult times.
ReplyDeleteUnfreedom happens when people do not have access to these opportunities. Things like poverty, discrimination, lack of education, or limited healthcare can stop people from living the life they want.
One example of unfreedom in the United States is unequal access to healthcare. Many people cannot afford doctor visits, medicine, or health insurance. Because of this, some people avoid getting medical help even when they need it.
This connects to Sen’s idea of social opportunities because healthcare helps people stay healthy and able to work, learn, and take care of their families. When people do not have access to healthcare, it limits their chances to succeed.
This issue is important to fix because health affects almost every part of a person’s life. If more people had affordable healthcare, they would have a better chance to stay healthy and reach their goals.
Freedom according to Sen is what people are actually given to live the life that they cherish. He refers to this substantial freedom which comprises the potentials to attain well-being and be a member of the society. Freedom does not merely mean possession of rights but also the practical power to exercise those rights without limits.
ReplyDeleteTo increase people's ability to participate in the society and practice their rights, Sen lists the instruments for that including: political freedom, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency assures and protective security.
With these freedoms combined, people are able to build their capabilities, i.e., their actual capacity to act and be what they appreciate.
To Sen, unfreedom is the situations that restrict or inhibit the exercise of these freedoms and capabilities by people. Unfreedom is the absence of actual opportunities because a person cannot have opportunities because of social, economic or political obstacles.
In Palestine, the reality is drawn by more unfreedoms than freedoms, we lack all the instruments. First
Palestine is under the occupation by this the political freedom is lost. There is no economy to help the people, no any type of security or social opportunities, everything is determined by the occupation even the movement. Due to the continuous chaos, corruption has a huge part in everything where people who are out of corruption has nothing left for them. with all these problems, wars killings, violation of human rights, women don't have much space to express or vent to find any support. The oppression is multilayered.
It is evident that your reflection explains the idea of freedom and unfreedom as it depends on the concepts of Amartya Sen and is able to relate the theoretical framework to the situation in Palestine. The discussion demonstrates the comprehension of how political, economic, and social restrictions can limit the possibilities and opportunities of people. Your example is useful in showing the role of structural conditions in forming multiple layers of oppression especially in vulnerable populations like women. In general, the response is very insightful as it connects theory with the reality in a thoughtful way, and the logic of the argument is significant and relevant.
Delete1. Amartya Sen argues that positive (or substantive) freedom refers to the ability to create and expand one's opportunities, for example through education or helping others. It is important for human well-being and happiness, but it is not the same thing as happiness in itself. In his article, Sen distinguishes the concept of freedoms, which are very important things that people can have in varying amounts. They can be compared to money: some people have little, others have more. So Amartya Sen explains that people's freedom can vary, some are more dependent on others, while others are free to choose. Fundamental (positive) freedom means real opportunities to live as one wishes, and it is determined not only by money, but also by health, security, education, and the opportunities provided by society. It lies between negative freedom (freedom from coercion) and happiness: it provides choices, but is not itself equal to happiness. In the text, Amartya Sen also distinguishes negative freedom, unfreedom from coercion or interference by other people (for example, that a person should not be attacked, enslaved, or robbed). This means that a person's opportunities are limited due to poverty, social environment and inequality, addictions, etc. And even if a person has freedom, sometimes they simply cannot exercise it due to circumstances.
ReplyDelete2. Using Amartya Sen's definitions, I think one obvious form of unfeedom in Lithuania is the limited opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in social and working life due to limited accessibility and social discrimination. According to Sen, this is "imprisonment" because these people do not have the same real opportunities as other members of society. Although the law grants equal rights, not all buildings, transport, or public services are adapted to their needs, thus limiting their fundamental/positive freedom. Solving this problem is important because improving accessibility and equal employment opportunities would enable people with disabilities to participate more actively in society, increase their freedom, and expanding their real opportunities.
Amartya Sen explains freedom as the real ability of people to live the kind of life they value. Freedom is not only about having rights written in laws, but also about having real opportunities to use those rights. Sen describes several important types of freedom. These include political freedoms, which allow people to participate in political life and express their opinions. Another is economic facilities, meaning the opportunity to work, earn income, and participate in markets. Social opportunities are also important and include access to education, healthcare, and other services that help people improve their lives. Sen also mentions transparency guarantees, which refer to openness and trust in institutions and the absence of corruption. Finally, there is protective security, which means social support systems that protect people from extreme poverty, unemployment, or other serious risks.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Sen, unfreedom appears when people cannot access these opportunities. Even if they formally have rights, they may still lack the real ability to use them because of poverty, discrimination, or limited access to services.
One form of unfreedom in Lithuania that I would like to change is poverty among older people. Many elderly people live on very small pensions and sometimes struggle to afford basic needs such as food, medicine, or heating. Because of this, their economic opportunities and social participation become limited. Some older people also experience loneliness and have fewer chances to participate in community life.
This issue is important because according to Sen’s idea of freedom, people should have real opportunities to live with dignity. When older people cannot meet their basic needs, their freedom becomes limited. Improving pensions, social support, and community services could help elderly people live more secure and active lives.
Amartya Sen describes freedom as the real possibility for people to live the life they value, while bondage encompasses conditions that limit real possibilities. In Sen's view, freedom requires much more than just legal rights—freedom depends on the ability to obtain the desired education, receive health care, have economic security, and participate in social inclusion. The author's idea coincides with Martha Nussbaum's view that people must have real and practical opportunities to develop their personal abilities (Nussbaum, 2011).
ReplyDeleteBased on the concept of freedom as real opportunities to live a meaningful life, a clear form of bondage in my country can be seen in care facilities for the elderly. Although older people are formally entitled to dignity, safety, and proper care, their fundamental freedom may be restricted due to staff shortages, low funding, and untrained employees. Such conditions limit the real opportunity for seniors to live independently and with dignity in their old age.
According to the perspective of economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, freedom is understood as people’s real ability to choose and live the life they value. In his work, particularly in the book Development as Freedom, Sen emphasizes that development should be assessed by how much society expands people’s opportunities to participate in economic, social, and political life. In contrast, “unfreedom” refers to situations where people’s opportunities are restricted due to social, economic, or institutional obstacles. These barriers can include poverty, discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, or limited access to education and essential services.
ReplyDeleteOne form of unfreedom present in Lithuania is the set of barriers faced by people with disabilities in participating fully in social life. Although the situation has gradually improved in recent years, certain physical, social, and institutional obstacles still limit their opportunities. For example, a few years ago, while using public transportation, I noticed a visually impaired person waiting for a bus while listening to a mobile app that announced bus locations and estimated arrival times at the stop. Additionally, many city sidewalks are marked with tactile surfaces that help visually impaired people navigate and sense directional changes. These infrastructure measures show that society and public institutions are attempting to create a more accessible environment and assist people with disabilities in participating more independently in social life.
Nevertheless, despite these positive changes, there are still areas that need improvement. Some public spaces, vehicles, and buildings are not fully accessible to people with different disabilities. Moreover, people with disabilities may face challenges in the labor market, as employers are not always prepared to adapt workplaces or provide flexible conditions. Such situations can restrict their ability to achieve economic independence and actively participate in society. According to Sen, this constitutes a form of unfreedom because people are not given the full opportunity to realize their potential and choose their life path on equal terms with other members of society.
Therefore, to reduce this form of unfreedom, it is important to continue developing accessible infrastructure, encourage employers to create inclusive workplaces, and increase public awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Such measures would help build a more inclusive society where every person, regardless of physical or sensory limitations, has the real opportunity to participate actively in social, economic, and cultural life. In this way, Sen’s principle is realized: true societal development occurs when the real freedoms and opportunities of all people are expanded.
To reduce this form of unfreedom, it is important to continue developing accessible infrastructure, encourage employers to create inclusive workplaces, and increase public awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Social workers play a crucial role in this process by acting as advocates, providing guidance, and connecting individuals with necessary resources and services. They help identify obstacles, inform people about their rights, and support them in navigating institutional systems, thereby empowering them to participate fully in society. Such measures would help build a more inclusive society where every person, regardless of physical or sensory limitations, has the real opportunity to participate actively in social, economic, and cultural life. In this way, Sen’s principle is realized: true societal development occurs when the real freedoms and opportunities of all people are expanded.
ReplyDeleteAmartya Sen describes freedom as the ability of people to have a life that they value. In the book Development as Freedom, he mentions that development should not be based only on economic growth but also on human freedoms and opportunities.
According to Sen, freedom was understood as the capabilities of people to achieve valuable ways of living. It consisted of the availability of economic, social, and political conditions that enable individuals to make meaningful choices about their lives and also the absence of different restrictions.
Unfreedom was mentioned as a different condition that limits people's potential and prevents them from achieving well-being. These limitations mostly happened due to structural barriers more than individual failure. Sen describes different types of unfreedom, such as poverty, unemployment, lack of access to healthcare, lack of access to education, lack of civil rights, etc.
One of the important unfreedoms that exists in India, which I believe is the lack of access to quality education, is most common among the rural and disadvantaged communities. Many children do not receive proper education due to poverty, poor school infrastructure, and the need to work to support their families. In some areas, there is a lack of trained professionals and educational resources.
Mainly in India, we have lots of schemes and grants to empower education in rural and disadvantaged groups. But because of the poor monitoring, different corruptions, and bribery happening among government officials leads to this kind of issues.
According to Sen’s perspective, this situation represents a form of social unfreedom because its primarily restricting the people’s capabilities to develop skills, knowledge and opportunities for their future. Without adequate education individuals face lot of difficulties in their life.
Education is the most fundamental thing which helps an individual to develop their human capabilities. When people have the opportunity to get quality education this would create different opportunities, improve economic condition, and lead to contributions to the society. Addressing this issue is fundamental in India.
Amartya Sen's Definitions of Freedom and Unfreedom
ReplyDeleteAmartya Sen explains freedom as the real ability of people to live the kind of life they value. It is not only about having rights written into law but also about having the opportunity to use them. According to Sen, freedom includes access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and the ability to participate in social and political life. When people have these opportunities, they can make meaningful choices about their lives.
On the other hand, unfreedom refers to situations that prevent people from having these opportunities or making their own choices. Sen says unfreedom can be caused by things such as poverty, lack of economic opportunities, poor healthcare and education systems, political restrictions, and social discrimination. These conditions limit people's capabilities and stop them from achieving the life they value.
One form of unfreedom that exists in my country is poverty and limited job opportunities. Many people struggle to find stable and well-paid jobs. Because of this, they sometimes cannot afford a good education, healthcare, or a comfortable standard of living. When people are constantly worried about basic needs, it becomes very difficult for them to focus on personal growth or future goals.
I wish this situation could change because economic opportunities are very important for real freedom. When people have stable jobs and fair income, they can make better choices for their lives, support their families, and improve their future. Reducing poverty and creating more job opportunities would help many people gain the freedom to live the life they truly want.
In my view, I think improving job opportunities and reducing poverty is essential for real freedom. When people have stable work and fair income, they gain confidence, independence, and the ability to make better decisions for themselves and their families. This not only improves individual lives but also strengthens society as a whole.
DeleteI think you explained Amartya Sen’s ideas about freedom and unfreedom very clearly. Your example of poverty and limited job opportunities is a strong example of how economic conditions can limit people’s ability to make choices about their lives. I also agree that improving access to stable jobs and fair income can help people gain more opportunities and live the life they value.
Delete1. Freedom according to Amartya Sen
ReplyDeleteAmartya Sen understands freedom not only as a formal right or the ability to choose, but as the real opportunity to live a life that a person values. He distinguishes several aspects:
Instrumental freedom
These are the means that help a person achieve their goals. It includes education, healthcare, economic resources, and the right to participate in political life. Example - a person may have the right to vote, but without knowledge or information, they cannot use it meaningfully.
Capability / Opportunities freedom
This is the ability to actually choose and act according to one’s values, not just have the formal right. In Sen’s view, freedom - the ability to “live a life one has reason to value.” Example. A person may have a job, but if the working conditions force them to suffer or leave no time for family, this is not true freedom.
Political and social freedom
Freedom means the ability to participate in decision-making, express opinions, and engage in social life. It ensures that a person can contribute to collective decisions and be a full citizen.
2. Unfreedom according to Amartya Sen
Sen emphasizes that unfreedom is not only obvious coercion, but also subtle restrictions that limit opportunities:
Economic unfreedom
Poverty or lack of resources limits real opportunities. Even if a person has the formal right to choose, without sufficient resources, they cannot exercise it. Example. A person may have the right to education, but if they cannot buy books or attend school, their opportunities are effectively restricted.
Social unfreedom
Discrimination, social stigma, or traditional/cultural norms restrict behavior. Example. Women or ethnic minorities may be forbidden to work in certain fields or participate in politics.
Political and legal unfreedom
Repressive regimes, censorship, or forced obedience prevent a person from acting freely, even if formal rights exist. Example - in a dictatorship, speech may be legally free, but in practice people are afraid to express their opinions.
Based on Amartya Sen’s definitions of freedom and unfreedom, one relevant form of unfreedom in Lithuania is economic and social unfreedom faced by mothers returning to the labor market after maternity leave.
Although women formally have the right to return to work, in practice they often face obstacles – employers may reduce their responsibilities, lower their salary, or offer less favorable positions, and societal stereotypes limit their career opportunities.
This is important because these women cannot fully realize their capabilities or choose the life they value, which has long-term effects not only on their economic independence but also on social equality and the overall efficiency of the labor market.
Based on Amartya Sen’s definitions, one relevant form of unfreedom in Lithuania is economic unfreedom among youth due to labor market requirements.
Many young people want to start working, but employers often require previous work experience, which they do not yet have. Although young people formally have the opportunity to work, in practice they cannot realize their capabilities to start a career and gain independence.
This is important because this situation limits young people’s ability to choose their life path, achieve their goals, and contribute to society, reinforcing economic inequality and preventing youth from fully participating in the labor market.
In simple terms, Sen explains that freedom is not just having rights, but having the real opportunities to use those rights and live a life a person values. This includes access to education, healthcare, jobs, and participation in political and social life.
DeleteIn Amartya Sen‘s ethics of substantial freedom, freedom is explained as a the real opportunity people can choose and live the kind of life they value so that our lives could be richer and we can be fuller social persons. Sen explains five groups of different instrumental freedoms: 1) Political freedoms- can be described as being able to participate in political decisions, express yourself, being able to vote. 2) Economic facilities- being able to use economic resources, access to income. 3) Social opportunities- being able to access health care, quality education. 4) Transparency guarantees- being able to expect clear information. This can prevent abuse of power, corruption. 5) Protective security- social safety nets that protect people in difficult times. According to Sen, unfreedom can mean that a person doesn‘t have full access to political, economic, social and other opportunities. Without these opportunities, people cannot live the way they want to.
ReplyDeleteOne example of unfreedom in Lithuania are the lives of people with disabilities. This unfreedom is shaped by inaccesible public spaces, transportation, discrimantion in employment and other areas. For instance, quite recently, the automatic doors at my city’s hospital were replaced. Before that, the entrance had double doors that were very difficult to open, and for people with disabilities it was practically impossible to enter the building on their own. You can also see many so‑called “ramps” next to staircases that are absurdly steep and unusable. I also remember that not long ago the curbs on city streets were not adapted for people with mobility impairments, and accessing public transport was an even bigger challenge. According to data from the State Audit Office, at the beginning of 2025 about 80 % of buildings in Lithuania were not adapted for people with disabilties. According to The Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, Birutė Sabatauskaitė, the office continues to receive complaints about public places- especially restaurants that do not provide toilets for people with disabiltiies. The situation in shopping centres is equally problematic- toilets exist but they are usually locked. Then people have to “prove“ their disability through calls or video cameras. According to Sabatauskaitė (2026) many disabilities are not visible and such procedures can undermine person‘s dignity.
According to data from the Ministry Of Social Security and Labour, in 2022 there were 147.5 thousand working people- age people with disabilities in LIthuania and only about 30 percent of them were employed. This can be connected with stereotypes and fears about people with disabilities, ableism, not enough support in finding jobs, employers inflexibility, inaccesible workplaces and insufficient education.
It‘s important to solve these problems because only the achievement of equality and social inclusion for people with disabilities will allow them to participate in social life and ensure their freedoms.
List of references:
1. Lygių galimybių kontrolieriaus tarnyba. (2026). Visuomenė sutinka – viešąsias erdves reikia pritaikyti žmonėms su negalia, net jei tai brangu. ManoTeisės. https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/visuomene-sutinka-viesasias-erdves-reikia-pritaikyti-zmonems-su-negalia-net-jei-tai-brangu/
2. Lygių galimybių kontrolieriaus tarnyba. (2024). Žmonių su negalia įdarbinimo procesas: iššūkiai ir galimybės. ManoTeisės. https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/zmoniu-su-negalia-idarbinimo-procesas-issukiai-ir-galimybes/
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DeleteI agree with Greta’s observation that when people with disabilities are required to prove their disability in order to access basic services, this can undermine their dignity. Situations where individuals have to justify or demonstrate their disability through phone calls, cameras or other verification processes can lead to feelings of humiliation and exclusion. Such practices can reinforce social barriers and contribute to the stigmatization of people with disabilities, especially given that some disabilities are not visible.
DeleteFrom a human rights perspective, accessibility should not be understood as a privilege, but as a fundamental condition for equal participation in society. When public spaces, services or facilities require people to repeatedly prove their needs, this reflects structural shortcomings in ensuring an inclusive environment. In this context, the issue is not only physical accessibility, but also respect for the dignity, autonomy and equality of the individual. Therefore, the creation of systems that trust individuals and ensure barrier-free access without unnecessary screening would be an important step in strengthening social inclusion and defending the rights of people with disabilities.
Hey Julius Your text explains well how Amartya Sen sees freedom as the real ability to live with dignity, not just having rights on paper. The example of elderly poverty in Lithuania shows how limited income and support can reduce people’s opportunities to live comfortably and participate in society. From an African perspective, elderly people face similar challenges and some are sometimes socially excluded from society though traditional society believes that caring for older people is seen as a shared responsibility, so improving pensions and social support would help ensure elders live with respect and security.
ReplyDeleteAmartya Sen’s definitions of freedom and unfreedom
ReplyDeleteAmartya Sen understands freedom not simply as the absence of restrictions. For him, freedom means that people actually have the real opportunity to live the life they value. This includes access to education, healthcare, social participation, and the ability to express one’s identity without fear. In Sen’s thinking, freedom is closely connected with what he calls capabilities – what a person is realistically able to do and to be.
Unfreedom appears when these real possibilities are limited or blocked. Sen explains that unfreedom can exist because of poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, lack of education, or political restrictions. Even when people formally have rights, their freedom is still limited if social conditions prevent them from using those rights in practice.
For Sen, development should therefore be understood as the expansion of human freedoms and the removal of the barriers that prevent people from living with dignity.
One form of unfreedom in my country. In Lithuania, one form of unfreedom that I would like to see change is the insufficient protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
Formally, Lithuania is a democratic country where human rights are recognized. However, in reality, LGBTQ+ people still face many limitations. For example, same-sex couples do not have the same legal recognition as heterosexual couples. This means they cannot fully access the same family rights, legal protections, or social recognition.
In addition to legal issues, there is also social pressure. Some LGBTQ+ people still feel unsafe expressing their identity openly, especially in smaller communities or workplaces. This shows that even if certain freedoms exist on paper, the real capability to live openly and safely may still be limited.
From the perspective of Amartya Sen, this situation can be understood as a form of unfreedom, because people do not have equal opportunities to live the lives they value.
For me, this issue is important because freedom should apply to everyone equally. A society becomes stronger when people can live openly, without fear or discrimination. Expanding equal rights and social acceptance would therefore not only support LGBTQ+ individuals but would also increase the overall level of human freedom in society.
Amartya Sen's definitions of freedom and unfreedom:
ReplyDeleteFreedom – real capability to live the live one really values. A person is given equal opportunities as others to live the life their wish to live. And to have this freedom person has to have access to education, healthcare, resources, social participation, political influence, safety. Amartya Sen focuses on “substantial freedom” and that means freedom when people are actually able to do or become, not just what others do not prevent them from doing.
Unfreedom – conditions that restrict people’s real opportunities. Examples of unfreedom include poverty, lack of education, poor health, unsafe environments, lack of social support, lack of political voice, discrimination, lack of economic opportunities. Even if a person is not coerced (so they have negative freedom), these conditions still produce unfreedom because they limit real capabilities to live a fulfilling life.
I think one of main forms of unfreedom in Lithuania is lack of economic opportunities. According to data represented by statistics department of Lithuania in 2024 The at-risk-of-poverty rate in Lithuania reached 21.5%, which means approximately 620,000 people were living below the at-risk-of-poverty threshold. This represents an increase of 0.9 percentage points compared to 2023 data. Even so that life in Lithuania is improving rapidly, because of economic growth, this improvement is mainly in urban areas, people in rural areas experience unemployment in very high numbers. In urban areas, the poverty rate is 18%, but in rural areas it rises to 29.4%.
I think it’s very important to change this, because when such a huge portion of population is experiencing poverty there is a huge friction between urban and rural areas. In media it’s often referred to as a “Two Lithuanians” problem. People in urban areas often neglect poverty experiences in rural areas. Common opinion in urban areas is that people in other parts of the country simply don’t work enough and are dependent on government aid because they are lazy. This kind of friction is used by far-right political parties and in latest Seimas elections far-right party “Nemuno Aušra” won a lot of seats in the parliament. I think in the future if poverty is not solved, we will have more and more far-right politicians in the parliament and who knows where this may lead.
Sen argues that freedom is the capacity to freely choose one’s means of happiness (Sen, 1999). Unfreedom, then, is the barriers in place that inhibit or coerce this choice. Sen believes that the greater the freedom one has, the more likely they are to be happy. To operationalize these freedoms, he introduces the paradigm of positive and negative rights. Positive in the sense of facilitating the exercise of rights. Negative in protecting non-interference from infringing on these rights. Happiness is possible when one has both the capacity to determine one's own definition of happiness and the freedom to exercise it.
ReplyDeleteAs an immigration specialist, I see one form of unfreedom as the lack of legal status. The arbitrary inability to attain legal permanent residence and citizenship serves as a barrier to existing in US society. Without legal status, migrants do not have a social security number or work authorization. This not only makes them ineligible for public benefits such as SNAP, cash assistance, housing assistance, and Medicaid, but also prevents them from legally working. I wish that undocumented migrants could pursue accessible means to change their status, such that they can fully self-actualize in our society. To not just survive in the shadows but to thrive as persons with so much to offer to the US.
Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press.
I think your example of applying legal status as a form of “unfreedom” is particularly compelling. The absence of legal status creates structural barriers that prevent migrants from accessing employment, healthcare, housing, and other resources necessary for stability and wellbeing, and places people in increasingly vulnerable positions, completely disregarding the fact that much of the population lacking a legal status was pushed out of their countries for motives of similar violence and vulnerabilities. With the changing of times and policies, legal status and documentation is such an arbitrary thing, and it is incredibly sad to think how some set of people or beliefs or rules dictate who is deserving of their protections and rights and who is not, and pieces of paperwork are able to dehumanize and deny migrants of their dignity and basic human rights and needs.
DeleteAmartya Sen, in his work Development as Freedom, reports that development is the growth of people’s freedoms, which, in turn, are their real opportunities to live the lives they choose. He puts forth five main freedoms: political, economic, social, transparent, and protected security.
ReplyDeleteUnfreedom in Sierra Leone
We see in the case of Sierra Leone that a form of unfreedom is the large-scale issue of girls’ and women’s access to education, which is very limited. Poverty, early marriage, and gender based discrimination are the main players which keep girls out of school. This is an issue of social and economic opportunities as per Sen’s model.
Also, this is tied to political corruption and weak institutions, which, in turn, contribute to reduced support and funding for education. Also, Sierra Leone's Civil War damaged the education system. By improving girls’ access to education, we will see an expansion of their freedoms, an increase in economic opportunity, and greater gender equality in Sierra Leone.
Amartya Sen, in his work on development and human freedom, explains that freedom should be understood not only as the absence of restrictions but also as the presence of real opportunities that allow people to live the kind of life they value. According to Sen, development is essentially the expansion of human freedoms. In this perspective, freedom includes both political and social conditions that allow individuals to make meaningful choices. Sen identifies several key types of freedom that contribute to human well-being and social progress. These include political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and protective security.
ReplyDeletePolitical freedoms refer to the rights that allow individuals to participate in political processes, express their opinions, vote, and influence decision-making. These freedoms are fundamental in democratic societies because they allow citizens to hold governments accountable and ensure that policies reflect the needs of the population. Economic facilities refer to the opportunities people have to use economic resources for consumption, production, or exchange. This includes access to employment, fair wages, and the ability to participate in economic life without discrimination or structural barriers. Social opportunities include access to essential services such as education and healthcare, which enable individuals to develop their capabilities and participate fully in society. Transparency guarantees refer to the openness and trust in social interactions, including the expectation that institutions and governments will operate honestly and without corruption. Protective security refers to social safety nets that protect people from extreme poverty, unemployment, or sudden economic crises.
In contrast, Sen defines unfreedom as conditions that limit or restrict people's ability to live the life they value. Unfreedom can occur when individuals are deprived of political rights, when they lack access to economic opportunities, when social institutions fail to provide education or healthcare, or when corruption and lack of transparency undermine trust in public systems. Unfreedom can also be caused by poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, or violence. These factors prevent people from exercising their capabilities and participating equally in society.
Using Sen’s framework, one form of unfreedom that exists in Lithuania is poverty and economic inequality, particularly among vulnerable groups such as single parents, elderly people living alone, and individuals in rural areas. Although Lithuania is a developed European country with democratic institutions and social services, economic disparities remain significant. Some people still struggle to meet their basic needs due to low wages, limited employment opportunities, or insufficient social support. This situation can limit individuals' ability to access education, healthcare, housing, and other resources that are necessary for a dignified life.
According to Amartya Sen, freedom means having the real ability or opportunity for individuals to live the kind of life they have reason to value. It is not merely the possession of formal legal rights, but the substantive capability to actually exercise those rights. In this, Sen identifies five “instrumental freedoms” which encompass human rights and needs. These include: Political freedoms (of participating and of expression), economic freedoms (access to jobs and resources), social opportunity to access quality education and healthcare, transparency and honesty in institutional guarantees, and protective security (stable and accessible social safety nets). Although these freedoms are claimed as people’s rights in many places, including my own country, the rights to things like healthcare and education, although promised, are not always tied to an actually sustainable or even accessible healthcare and education systems, among others. Unfreedom on the other hand is referring to the conditions that restrict a person’s capabilities and opportunities, such as oppression, coercion, and corruption, but also tracing back to systemic forms of this violence and oppression, meaning structural barriers like poverty, discrimination, and a lack of access to social services, healthcare, education, etc.
ReplyDeleteOne form of unfreedom in Mexico that is unfortunately increasingly prevalent and profoundly important to our community’s living conditions is the lack of transparency in institutional guarantees, specifically manifested through internal corruption. According to Sen’s framework, transparency provides a culture of openness and trust and ensures that people can engage with and access institutions and the government with an expectation of honesty. We live in a democratic country, but people’s vulnerability is taken advantage of and perpetuated to keep those in power wealthy and in control. Organized crime is infiltrated into so many territories but more specifically they are the hand that moves withing governmental agencies at local and national levels, and so the allocation of resources, funding, and serving of justice is not in the best interests of the people, but in the best interests for those in power and at the service of large sums of money. This ultimately erodes our social systems and our justice systems, and takes away from citizen’s opportunity to access the resources and infrastructures that are said to be in place to help.
Amartya Sen in his book Development as Freedom, defines freedom as the types of rights and opportunities that help advance the general capability of a person. According to Sen, there are five distinct types of freedoms: political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and protective security all of which complement one another and serve as the foundation of human development (2002). On the other hand, unfreedom is the antithesis of these tenets; Sen provides examples of poverty, lack of healthcare or sanitary facilities, and marginalized political or social presence as exemplars of unfreedoms in global society.
ReplyDeleteOne form of unfreedom in the USA I wish I could change is the lack of accessible and affordable healthcare. As a nursing student, one of my primary responsibilities is to educate myself on my country’s social and political systems, how they affect the care I can give, and how my future patients will receive said care. Too many people in the United States suffer adverse health consequences because their financial situation prevented them from seeking medical care. One of the most harrowing examples are diabetes patients, who often neglect the management of their condition because they cannot keep up with the egregious cost of insulin. Many conservative politicians argue this is the case because many individuals lack health insurance, but even middle-class Americans with adequate health insurance face financial strife when it comes to medical bills, especially after going through complicated procedures such as childbirth, or major surgery. This issue is so important because the USA is one of the global leaders in medical research and advancements, therefore, its citizens should not be bombarded with medical dept.
Thank you for mentioning healthcare. Here in Europe we hear horror stories from USA of insane amount of bills for the ambulance ride or as you mentioned, giving birth. I cannot comprehend this system and how it is still practiced. I understand that my country also have issues related to the public healthcare but compared to what is happening in the USA, it's nothing... How can a society upgrade itself when all attention is onto moneymaking to afford basic healthcare? As mentioned by Sen, economic unfreedom other freedoms are also restricted. As you mentioned - USA is the leader in medical research, but so many people struggle to get basic medical care. And do you think this could ever change? Thank you for bringing this up.
DeleteAmartya Sen explains how real freedom is not only written on paper, but also is something that should be exercised by people to have real opportunities of freedom. For him, there are few main freedoms, such as political freedom – where people can vote, express their opinion without being prosecuted. Second one is economic, where person can work, earn, and support themselves or their kids without being in poverty. Their basic human needs are satisfied. Amartya Sen also talks about social opportunities, which allow people to get an education. Sen also mentions protective society which means that society provides its members with protection during the loss ow loved ones, while raising children, during most crucial life events etc. Freedoms, written on a paper, and just declared with big words, stays just that – words. For it to reach people, change life for a better, it takes change of institutions, laws, mindsets.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Sen, unfreedom happens when one of those conditions are limited. For example, job market is scares and people cannot earn money or payment is too low to live comfortable life. That is what happens to some part of people living in Lithuania. Economic unfreedom caused by low salaries and high cost of living. In Lithuania, many young people work full time, but still struggle to afford housing, their future plans are limited and some decide to leave the home country for the better economic prospects elsewhere. While reading Sen and other comments, it makes sense that economic unfreedom is one of the most restricting since it affects if people are able to move to a bigger city for better career opportunities, how many children they can have, healthier lifestyle etc. As Sen mentions, economic freedom helps for the society to develop other freedoms and choose the life people want accordingly.
Having freedom is explained as having opportunities, capacities, resources, and being able to use them in order to live the way one wants and desires. For this definition, it is also important not only to have the opportunities, but also not to have any obstacles to use them. I see it in the context of Maslow’s pyramid, which I visualize as being secured on all needs levels. Unfreedom is the opposite of freedom, when people have no access to the opportunities to live the life the way they want. It is also about limiting the opportunity to access the opportunities.
ReplyDeleteIn Ukraine, the most obvious form of unfreedom that exists today is the war. Russian aggression ruined the lives of many and made life difficult for everyone. The basic need of survival is blurred, and people can’t be sure they have access to it. On a daily basis, we have constant stress and huge problems with work, education, and ironically, plans for the future. The future is unknown, and 4 years ago, we all realized that we have no idea what the next day will bring. We know now at least that it’s not necessarily something good. We have no freedom, we are not allowed to live a free life, but we hope and pray that we will soon.
The situation you described in Ukraine shows how war can take away basic freedoms such as safety, stability, education, and the ability to plan for the future. And your comparison with Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is also insightful, because when survival and security are threatened, it becomes very difficult for people to achieve other goals in life. A similar form of unfreedom can also be seen in Cameroon, particularly because of the Anglophone Crisis. In many communities, violence, displacement, and school closures have limited people’s opportunities to live the lives they want. Just like in Ukraine, many families experience fear, economic hardship, and uncertainty about the future. This shows how conflict can destroy not only physical security but also the freedom people have to pursue education, work, and personal development.
DeleteSen describes freedom as the expansion of people’s real, substantive opportunities to live the kind of lives they have reason to value. Sen’s definition of unfreedom includes conditions that restrict a person’s ability to develop and exercise their capabilities.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many unfreedoms in the US that I wish I could change but if I could only choose one it would be the ack of access to healthcare. People should have the right to be healthy, to get the medications they deserve, to be treated in emergencies and not have to go into debt doing so. If there is no access to necessary medical care people throughout the society of incapable of maintaining their health which may cause them to have to take of work or stop working completely, which digs them into an ever-deeper hole of debt. These people can end up unhoused or in unsafe situations do to not getting the care they need for their physical/mental health.
I couldn’t agree more, because in a country that likes to promote how good it is, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Even our most basic human rights come with a price which is just contradicting to the statement. Across many laws, policies, and constitutions this is indoctrinate. The right to food, water, health, and more, yet the common issue that many countries face this is one’s economic status. The idea of seeking help for many people is stressful because with insurance many hospitals and clinics will not attend to your needs, now to seek government aid for health insurance means you will receive decent services if you get approved for Medicare or Medicaid. As we know medical treatments are expensive even for just a checkup there is a cost, with the financial help of insurance the cost out of put can range for 20 dollars to thousands of dollars. If you need an ambulance on sight, there goes a couple thousand dollars that does not include the E.R. trip, what they are treating you for, the exams that were performed, and the cost of medication if needed. This leads to many health issues progressing until forced to seek help, which in some cases can be too late for good outcomes or treatments. Sadly, our country holds an imminence amount of greedy that money is the sole focus for many, someone because they need it and others because they want more.
DeleteI agree, medical services is a vital human right and all people must have access to it. It's unfortunate that capitalism made it a luxury to have access to those services.
DeleteAmarya Sen defines freedom in a bold, expansive fashion as it relates to any given country or society. He states that freedom is not just the simple allowance of human beings to exist as they please, but the active removal of barriers that prevent them from living the lives that they aspire to. This definition is inherently empowering to ordinary people, as they act as the main agents of their life’s path. Sen argues that with freedom, people are free to exercise the full extent of their capabilities, meaning that they are able to survive and thrive free from harm, and live, work, love and play how they so choose in their chosen environment.
ReplyDeleteThus, in contrast to freedom, “unfreedom” is the presence of barriers that lead to human beings being unable to achieve their capabilities. These barriers include, but are not limited to, poverty, lack of adequate welfare programs, tyranny, lack of bodily autonomy, and lack of free speech (Sen, 1999). When considering my home country of the United States, there are a myriad of unfreedoms that stand in the way of the full achievement of the country’s slogan of “Land of the Free.” One of these is the lack of adequate food assistance programs as provided by the government, which stands in the way of people achieving their capability of living a full, healthy life and being well fed, if we frame nutrition as a condition of freedom. Currently, the United States has the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which notoriously is very limited in the funds that it provides each month. For a single person household, the minimum SNAP benefit amount is just $24 per month, which is hardly enough to even feed oneself for one day, let alone one month. Additionally, in order to receive benefits, able bodied adults must prove that they are either working or searching for work. Not only is this process tedious and time consuming, often involving a back and forth with a case manager, but insinuates that people are undeserving of basic nutrition unless they “contribute” something back to society. This is a reflection of the hyper individualistic society that America is, and is an unfreedom as it “robs people of the freedom to satisfy hunger, or to achieve sufficient nutrition” (Sen, 1999, p.5).
Amartya Sen breakdown the concept of freedom referred to as “substantial freedom” realistic outcomes people face in their lives. Interference is mentioned in the text but it not sole based on that but the actual capabilities to be able to achieve those goals on might have, this can be either in their education, economic stability, health, and political stances. Having substantial freedom allows for the development in abilities for people to make impactful decisions and being involved in the world around them. There were five instrumental freedoms Sen talked about, there are political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees, and lastly protective security. Now what is political freedom, it is described as being able to vote, freedom in expressing opinions as well as criticizing the government, and partaking in political decisions. As for economic facilities, this looks like having access to resources, including jobs, and markets which allow for financial opportunities that are required in consumption, trade, and production to process such things. Social opportunities are the access to education, social services, and health care that allow people to receive help in developing their skills and capabilities. Moving onto transparency guarantees this is displayed as having trust in our institutions; examples can be the government and businesses operating without corruption if anything being honest with citizens and consumers. Lastly there is protective security this being safety net for people that face hardships like unemployment, being provide with benefits, there is disaster relief for people impacted by with human made or natural disaster, these are only some the programs in place to essentially prevent extreme poverty. With all of this also comes unfreedom, as Sen views it lacking real opportunity, if someone faces illness, poverty, poor education, and institutional weaknesses, this can hinder the ability to live a life people value.
ReplyDeleteIn the United States unfortunately our population due face these complications in life and we have many. This one is a social opportunity being the disparity in affordable healthcare. People struggle in affording medical insurance, treatment, and prescribed medications. If health is considered a right, one would think it should not be difficult in seeking care but due to the high cost this reality is difficult and for other impossible to do. This impacts people without citizenship because with a social security number the able to find a job is challenging because in job applications one is required, forcing people to seek jobs that exploit them which means they are not entitled to medical insurance. Sadly, most hospitals and clinics will not attend to your needs if you have no insurance, making the cost out of pocket more expensive, hence why people suffer with illness and pain because they are unable to afford any help. This prevents people’s substantial freedom because an effect of poor health is the inability to go to work and school. With having more affordable healthcare that people can access, people’s substantial freedom will have a positive trajectory in building their opportunities which Sen believes is needed in public policy.
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ReplyDeleteAccording to Amartya Sen, freedom is not all about enjoying political rights but also about people having opportunities economically and socially. The ability for people to participate, express their opinions, and have access to education, healthcare, and social services is of great value and dignity. In his book, he explains several forms of unfreedom as restrictions on people's capabilities. Sen's idea or perspective of unfreedom can be commonly seen in most developing countries, such as Cameroon, where limited access to economic opportunities and security caused by the ongoing socio-political conflict has disrupted education, destroyed businesses, and displaced families. According to Sen's. This form of unfreedom, particularly the loss of social opportunities and economic facilities, stands as a barrier, causing people not to freely access education, employment, or stable livelihoods. This crisis has greatly affected people's normal lives by limiting children's access to education, and for others, loss of businesses or farms due to insecurity and displacement. Many young people are graduates with so much good potential and skills, but still struggle to find stable jobs or real opportunities, or resources to use their skills productively. As a result, forcing young people to either migrate to other countries for greener pastures, while others remain trapped in poverty, dependence on humanitarian aid, or unstable work. Sen suggests a better solution to this form of unfreedom will begin by improving job opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, education, and vocational training, which will greatly contribute positively in the lives of young people to fully develop the capabilities and allow them to regain their freedom, rebuild their communities and live a more meaningful and independent lives.
ReplyDeleteIn Bangladesh, a major form of unfreedom is educational inequality in school. This is the big gap between the high-quality education rich students get in cities, and the lower-quality education poor students get in rural villages. The education depends on money. While most children now go to school, the quality of their learning depends on how much money their parents have. This is an "unfreedom of social opportunity" because it gives some children a huge head start while leaving others behind before they even grow up.
ReplyDeleteI worked with Teach for Bangladesh. And they are now working to remove this educational inequality. I have seen more closely when I also visited some schools in rural areas. I wish to change this because, in social work, we believe in social justice. Every child deserves a quality education. When a school in a village has no electricity or not enough trained teachers, those students are denied the "capability" to compete for good jobs or understand their legal rights. This keeps poor families trapped in a cycle of poverty for many generations.
Changing this issue is very important because education is the best way to give people agency, which means the power to act for themselves. If every child in Bangladesh has access to the same high-quality education, they can have the freedom to protect their health and speak up for their rights. By removing the barrier of educational inequality, we allow every young person to help build a better future