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). I propose 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, I identify limitations in modern conceptions amid global ecological and socioeconomic crises. I introduce “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.