Redefining Freedom: Sociological Transformations from Ancient Liberties to Global Interdependencies

Freedom has long been central to philosophical inquiry and political discourse, yet sociological analyses remain limited. This article introduces a novel sociological framework structured around two dimensions—superordinate unity (dominant configurations of social, ecological, economic, and political interdependencies) and freedom claims (explicit normative demands for autonomy). It proposes a typology of four ideal-typical freedom regimes: ancient, medieval, modern, and planetary. Critically assessing historical forms of freedom within city-states, feudal systems, and nation-states, particularly within the Global North's historical trajectory, the article identifies limitations in modern conceptions amid global ecological and socio-economic crises. It introduces Planetary Freedom as an empirically observable emergent ideal type, characterized by reflexive awareness of global interdependencies, collective stewardship, and institutionalized cooperation, thus reconceptualizing autonomy as shaped by contemporary global challenges.