In this chapter, Dorothy Lee addresses a key social problem that occurs around the world. This key social problem involves both autonomy and the social structure of society. Dorothy Lee believes that a individual autonomy and social structure can in fact co-exist. She also believes in some societies individual autonomy does not exist because of the social structure. “not everywhere does the social unit provide freedom to the individual or opportunity for spontaneous functioning” (Lee, 5) In her article Lee goes over many cultures such as the Sikh culture, Chinese culture, the Wintu Indian culture and others and sets them as an example in order to prove her belief. Lee uses thes cultures in order to demonstrate a resolution for the key social
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Their respectful use of verbs establishes way for personal autonomy and social structure to exist with one another. It also offers freedom for individual autonomy. The Wintu Indians are not permissive. “These people do not “give” freedom to their children because it is not theirs to give… They are not being “permissive”; they are showing their deep-seated respect for individual worth, and their awareness of the unique tempo of individual” (Lee, 6). This shows that the Wintu Indians profoundly value and respect self-worth. Furthermore the Wintu Indians trust their children to do the right thing, guiding them along the way rather then tell them what to do and what not to do. This also shows the equality and respect the display towards others, even children. Children are considered equal to the adults, thus have the same freedom to do what they choose. In our society this isn’t the case. As children we are told what to do and what not to do. We don’t distinguish ourselves from right to wrong. We are only “given” freedom when we reach a certain age, consequently we are not given opportunity for spontaneous functioning. The Wintu Indians’ culture presented by Dorothy Lee serves as a great example for why we should be able to successfully apply individual autonomy to our social structure and
Their respectful use of verbs establishes way for personal autonomy and social structure to exist with one another. It also offers freedom for individual autonomy. The Wintu Indians are not permissive. “These people do not “give” freedom to their children because it is not theirs to give… They are not being “permissive”; they are showing their deep-seated respect for individual worth, and their awareness of the unique tempo of individual” (Lee, 6). This shows that the Wintu Indians profoundly value and respect self-worth. Furthermore the Wintu Indians trust their children to do the right thing, guiding them along the way rather then tell them what to do and what not to do. This also shows the equality and respect the display towards others, even children. Children are considered equal to the adults, thus have the same freedom to do what they choose. In our society this isn’t the case. As children we are told what to do and what not to do. We don’t distinguish ourselves from right to wrong. We are only “given” freedom when we reach a certain age, consequently we are not given opportunity for spontaneous functioning. The Wintu Indians’ culture presented by Dorothy Lee serves as a great example for why we should be able to successfully apply individual autonomy to our social structure and