Self-determination is a term that can refer to different concepts depending on the context. Here are some of the main meanings of self-determination:
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Political self-determination: This refers to the process by which a group of people, usually possessing a certain degree of national consciousness, form their own state and choose their own government. The idea of self-determination evolved as a by-product of the doctrine of nationalism, and it was accepted as a peace aim after World War I.
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Personal self-determination: This refers to a persons ability to make choices and manage their own life. Being self-determined means that you feel in control of your own destiny, and you have the attitudes and abilities to set goals for yourself and take the initiative to reach them. It is about making your own choices, learning to effectively solve problems, and taking control and responsibility for one's life.
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Psychological self-determination: This refers to the degree to which a person's behavior is self-motivated and self-directed. Self-determination theory suggests that all humans have three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—that underlie growth and development. Autonomy refers to the need to feel in control of one's own life and behavior, competence refers to the need to feel effective and capable in one's actions, and relatedness refers to the need to feel connected to others.
In summary, self-determination can refer to the process of a group of people forming their own state and choosing their own government, a person's ability to make choices and manage their own life, or the degree to which a person's behavior is self-motivated and self-directed.
