självständighet

Självständighet is a Swedish noun that denotes the state or condition of being independent. It can refer to political independence from external control, or to personal autonomy and self-sufficiency. The term derives from själv meaning “self” and ståndighet or ständighet meaning “state” or “condition.”

In political discourse, självständighet describes a nation or region asserting self-rule, sometimes through declarations or negotiations, and seeking recognition of sovereignty in international law. It can also describe internal self-government within a larger state, often called autonomi or självstyre, where the entity retains decision-making power in certain domains while remaining part of the country.

In social and individual contexts, självständighet refers to independence in daily life: the ability to make decisions, support oneself financially, and manage responsibilities without excessive reliance on others. In psychology, autonomy is a key concept, linked to motivation and agency, and is central to theories of self-determination, where individuals seek competence, relatedness, and autonomy.

Historically and legally, questions of självständighet intersect with debates about rights, obligations, and the balance between individual freedoms and collective welfare. The concept appears across contexts—from decolonization and secession movements to reforms granting regional autonomy within federations. It is commonly contrasted with notions of dependence and with the complexities of sovereignty, governance, and interdependence in modern states.