Importance of self-determination for communities and individuals

JOAN SWART

Self-determination is not just a political or philosophical ideal—it’s a deeply ingrained psychological need, one that shapes both individual lives and the evolution of entire communities.

Whether we are speaking about individuals striving for autonomy in their personal lives or groups seeking independence, the desire for self-determination taps into some of the most fundamental aspects of human psychology.

An understanding of the psychological roots of self-determination helps us recognise why it’s so crucial, not just for personal fulfilment but for the survival and thriving of entire communities.

Self-Determination and Human Development

From a developmental perspective, the need for self-determination begins early in life. Psychologists such as Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget have long established that autonomy and self-control are crucial stages in human growth.

In childhood, developing the ability to make decisions and exert control over one’s environment is key to building confidence and motivation. A sense of autonomy fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and the capacity to navigate complex situations. Without it, individuals feel helpless, less motivated, and more susceptible to external control.

As we grow, the scope of this need expands. Adolescents, for instance, crave independence not just from their parents but also from societal expectations. The need to create an individual identity is part of a broader desire to establish agency in one's own life.

The psychological underpinnings of this desire carry into adulthood, where self-determination becomes closely linked with one's sense of purpose and motivation. This is where existential psychology intersects: having control over one’s future makes life meaningful. Without it, people fall into existential crises, questioning the very meaning of their lives.

Evolutionary Roots: Survival and Empowerment

Self-determination also has evolutionary roots. From the earliest hunter-gatherer societies, humans needed the ability to control their environments to survive. Collective decision-making and individual empowerment were mechanisms for survival—communities that fostered agency among their members were more likely to thrive.

In these early societies, autonomy wasn’t about individualism, but about cooperation, ensuring the survival of the group. Over time, the human brain evolved to value autonomy because it was directly linked to survival and well-being.

In a modern context, the principles remain the same. Communities, regions, and nations seeking self-determination are often responding to the need to protect their resources, culture, and way of life from external forces that they cannot control. The Cape Independence movement, for example, is driven by this deeply ingrained need.

Like all human groups, the people of the Western Cape seek control over their destiny, believing that greater autonomy or independence will allow them to better manage their own resources, protect their cultural identity, and ensure their community’s survival in an ever-changing political landscape.

The Existential Dimension: Purpose and Meaning

At its core, self-determination is also about finding purpose in life. Human beings crave meaning—something that transcends the mundane aspects of existence. Psychologists like Viktor Frankl have demonstrated that purpose is a central motivator in human life.

People need to feel that their actions matter, that they are not merely cogs in a larger machine. This quest for meaning is closely tied to the idea of agency—the ability to influence the course of one’s life and the lives of those around you.

On an individual level, having control over your life provides a sense of empowerment. But when people feel powerless, they often experience a range of negative emotions, including anxiety, depression, and a sense of meaninglessness.

This is equally true for communities or nations that lack autonomy. When external powers dictate the future of a people, they lose not only their ability to shape their destiny but also the motivation that comes from working toward a collective goal.

In the Western Cape, the push for independence is, in part, an existential struggle. The desire for self-determination is about more than just political autonomy; it is about creating a future that aligns with the values, culture, and aspirations of its people. Like many other independence movements, it seeks to establish a framework where the people’s voice can shape their destiny, not just for themselves but for future generations.

Cooperation and Symbiosis: Balancing Autonomy and Interdependence

While self-determination emphasises control and autonomy, it does not mean isolation. Human societies are interconnected, and cooperation is a vital aspect of survival and prosperity. The key is finding a balance between maintaining autonomy and engaging in symbiotic relationships with other groups, regions, or nations. In this sense, self-determination does not equate to rejecting diversity, but rather using diversity as a strength to enrich local values and traditions.

This is why Cape Independence is not about retreating from the world, but about securing the agency needed to engage with it on equal terms. A region that has control over its own affairs is better positioned to build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

Autonomy gives people the ability to preserve their culture and traditions, but it also creates opportunities to draw value from external sources—whether through trade, cultural exchange, or political cooperation.

The concern that self-determination may lead to isolation or the loss of cultural diversity through assimilation is a legitimate one. However, the opposite is often true. Communities with the power to determine their own future are better able to protect their values, while still embracing the benefits of cooperation with others.

In the Western Cape, we are not advocating for isolation but for a balanced and empowered approach to engagement with the broader world, where local traditions and values are not eroded by external pressures.

A Collective Future Built on Agency

Ultimately, the pursuit of self-determination is about the fundamental human need to belong, to feel that we have control over our lives, and that our actions matter. It is this need that drives both individuals and communities to seek autonomy and to shape their own futures.

From an evolutionary standpoint, it ensures survival. From a psychological and existential perspective, it provides meaning and motivation. And from a social standpoint, it fosters cooperation while maintaining the integrity of culture and tradition.

As nations and communities, it is crucial to recognize the importance of self-determination as a path to sustainable and empowered futures. The people of the Western Cape, like so many others across the globe, crave the ability to protect their culture and heritage while contributing to a diverse and interconnected world. True self-determination is not about rejecting others—it’s about creating a balanced future, where local values and global ideals coexist.

In the end, autonomy is the foundation upon which purpose, belonging, and cooperation are built. Without it, both individuals and communities lose their ability to thrive. By embracing self-determination, we not only secure our future but also affirm the right to chart our own path in an increasingly complex and interdependent world.

Dr Joan Swart is an exco member of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) and chief of staff of the Referendum Party. She has a Psy.D. Forensic Psychology, MBA, and MA Military Studies

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