Individual Degree of Freedom - Essay Example

For example, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), homosexual relations are strictly prohibited and people who are found indulged in a homosexual relationship are taken to task. They are dealt with strictly and are punished according to the laws. Yet, there are countries like Canada and Sweden that allow gays to acquire legal marriage certificates. Therefore, in these countries, same-sex people can have officially recognized and approved sexual relationships which certainly provides the citizens with the freedom to choose their sexual orientation, unlike the people in KSA. In a vast majority of cases, it is the religion that inflicts restrictions upon the people, and the laws are customized according to the religious instructions. KSA prohibits gay marriages because homosexuality is prohibited in Islam and Islam is the religion of the majority of people of KSA. Therefore, it can be said that the degree of freedom of individuals living in a country is fundamentally depicted by the extent to which the religion of the majority is given importance while formulating laws and regulations. We are free within society as long as we conform to the requirements of the backstage forces of society. This essentially means that we are free to choose the course of action from amongst many to satisfy societal norms and fulfill the duties expected from us, but in the end, we are restrained by these forces.

Learning about socialization has in a way, intensified such thoughts in me. Having studied socialization, my mind has started to work on that level which was either unknown to me before or I used to overlook it. Understanding society and the underlying factors that control societal norms has motivated me to explore the reasons why things happen as they do in society. The study of socialization has made me aware of the significance of social relationships, my duties toward society, and my rights. I have come across several lessons that encouraged me to move out in society and do my bit to alter things for the better, but when I reflected upon my experiences, I realized that I have certain boundaries beyond which I have no power, or more appropriately right to go whether or not my intention is positive. This led me to think about my degree of freedom and whether I would be able to alter it if I moved into some other society.