Passage 1) “Individualistic traditions, in the first place, insufficiently recognize the role and value of qualities traditionally coded as ‘feminine’ for individual agency. If interdependent qualities like trust and loyalty (Mackenzie & Stoljar, 2000, p. 6) are naturally conceived of as incompatible with autonomy, care-oriented decisions might fail to be appreciated as autonomous.” (Lee, 3)
Response: This passage holds true, especially in individualistic societies such as the United States, where individualistic traits are predominantly viewed as masculine. Men are respected when they uphold self-reliance at the expense of human connection. Thus, individualistic autonomy becomes defined based on an individual who does not need to prioritize these “feminine” qualities. Yet, this perception does more harm to other members within the society, for instance, women, by undermining their autonomy in decisions that involve care-oriented qualities they are genuinely willing to take into consideration. It also alienates those who grew up and live in collectivist cultures, where the Self is interdependent with members of the group. In my case, as a woman from a collectivist Latin American culture, I often feel conflicted about what to consider in my decisions, as men or individualistic people may not fully grasp that my decisions can be meaningful and “on my own” while still reflecting my relational values. However, this passage offers a new perspective: interdependent qualities can be compatible with autonomy.
Passage 2) “Relationality, according to Beate Rössler, can be both ‘an enabling condition and…an obstacle to autonomy.’ (Rössler, 2002, p. 148) By conceiving of the individual agent as necessarily enmeshed in social relations, then, we can explore ways that social ties can be a positive or negative resource for the agent in all their endeavours – that is, how social factors contribute to an individual’s autonomy.” (Lee, 4)
Response: As someone who is a Classroom Aide for a kindergarten, the idea of relationality as either an enabler or inhibitor of autonomy, as expressed in the passage, can be further extended to represent the role of school in child development. Although a child is not fully independent, as they still rely on caregivers for food, shelter, safety, and emotional support, that does not necessarily mean the child lacks autonomy. In kindergarten, as children begin to learn social and emotional skills, I, as a Classroom Aide, act as a branch in their social relationship paradigm, where my support can provide the security and guidance children need to develop and exercise autonomy. However, my relationship can also hinder their autonomy if I’m too controlling. Thus, it is not only a matter of recognizing how social factors contribute to a child’s autonomy, but also of determining the right way to support children.
Passage 3) “As J.Y. Lee has pointed out, attributing agents an autonomous status where possible is in the first place a valuable exercise, since assigning such autonomous status confers respect for the relevant agent’s decision-making authority. (Lee, 2022, p. 100) In so doing, we can make room to acknowledge and take an agent’s first-personal perspective seriously, and not write them off as non-autonomous by default simply because they stand in subordinate relations with others.” (Lee, 9)
Response: Because this passage emphasizes the importance of “attribute agents an autonomous status where possible,” I can see this “valuable exercise” as applicable when trying to be transparent about mental health. Specifically, individuals suffering from a mental health disorder are oftentimes treated as lacking autonomy because it is assumed that their current state can inhibit their rationality in decision-making. Additionally, this “subordinate relation” can lead others to control what they believe is “best” for the individual's treatment, ultimately dismissing the individual’s authority to process their symptoms. Recognizing and respecting an individual’s autonomy can validate their first-personal perspective and help destigmatize the belief that vulnerability signals a lack of autonomy.