Part 10: System Change: Autonomy

Humans have a fundamental need for “autonomy,” for feeling they have control over their own lives. Many of the stories that find their way into history books are accounts of struggles for autonomy, or of reactions to losses of it.

Seeking autonomy, people may form unions, organize non-violent or violent movements, appeal to public opinion, or react in a variety of other ways.

History textbooks often describe particular events, but ignore the deep-seated values and emotions responsible for those events.

The Significance of Autonomy Deprivation

The model component “Shared Ideas” includes values that people hold as part of their fundamental world-view. Values are emotionally charged—if they’re violated, people react with anger or fear and frustration. These feelings then lead to action patterns such as formation of new groups, appeals to public opinion, and other responses listed on page 72.

In 1765, for example, American colonists saw the Stamp Tax as a threat to their autonomy, and reacted with boycotts, demonstrations, appeals to Parliament, and even violence. Though the Act was repealed, it had become a step in the polarization leading up to the American Revolution.

Similar reactions in the South to tariffs passed by Congress contributed to the election of Andrew Jackson as president. Every period of American history has evidence of the reactions that follow thwarted autonomy.

The two most important sources of inadequate autonomy are repression by more-powerful people or groups, and adverse economic conditions.

The variety of reactions to loss of autonomy depend on how clearly the affected people understand the cause of their problem, and how much freedom they have to act.

In the period after the Civil War, railroads and industry were expanding. Their extremely wealthy owners felt no particular responsibility to employees or customers, so exploitation of employees, including children, was common. Economic cycles of boom and bust also played an important role as more workers left farms to work in factories.

In the south during this period, white people were motivated by their continuing racial prejudice, resentment about post-Civil-War reconstruction policies, and economic competition from freed slaves. White state legislatures passed “Jim Crow” laws, and the Ku Klux Klan grew in strength, restricting the autonomy of African-Americans. Some Black leaders recommended conforming to white expectations and improving themselves to prove their merit, some advocated fighting back, and some favored organizing to gain strength. However, real gains in autonomy for African-Americans weren’t made until the late 20th century.

Identifying those lacking autonomy, and tracing their actions and reactions, is essential if the course of human history is to be understood.