self-determination

**self-determination**

Self-determination refers to the process by which individuals or groups have the right and ability to make their own choices and control their own lives. It encompasses personal autonomy, independence, and the freedom to shape one’s own destiny without external influence or coercion. This concept is widely discussed in contexts such as human rights, psychology, political science, and social movements, emphasizing empowerment, agency, and the pursuit of goals based on one’s own values and desires.