ARTICLE

ARTICLE

THE POSITION OF THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

  Does living in contemporary society entail being subject to inescapable threats to liberty of choice? This question is often answered in the affirmative by  those concerned about human rights, while it is regarded as pointless by more optimistic sectors of the population. This article weighs up both sides of the argument, as well as analysing the state of the matter in Spain as a case in point.

In general terms, few would dispute the fact that physical integrity, dignity and universal access to proper schooling are indispensable for every individual, regardless of their ethnic or social origin. Gone are the days when the acceptance of slavery was debatable, and values such the inviolability of life, the possibility of choosing a job  and the right for single parents to enjoy workplace flexibility, for instance, are guaranteed in all western constitutions, among which is that of Spain. This situation is bound to be sustainable as long as everyone abides by the law and respects the others in turn.

At the same time, technological advances have resulted in a potential invasion to privacy. More and more cameras are being installed in public buildings; safety and productivity are usually the main reasons put forward to defend this measure.  However, what is likely to happen is that anonymity is lost at the expense of social control.  More worryingly, bank fraud, identity theft, extortion and cyberbullying are on the increase, so it is vital for the authorities to raise awareness of these new kinds of crime on the internet, which ought to be invariably prosecuted.

  All the aspects mentioned above have surely led to a more ambitious scenario, where freedom is not merely exercised by a few privileged. Desirable as this may be, it is not exempt from risks that might prevent some individuals from living in peace. Whether social and legal systems are able to keep the balance or not only time will tell.