The concept of freedom has evolved significantly over the centuries, shaped by philosophical, political and social movements. Eric Fromm’s The Fear of Freedom (also known as Escape from Freedom) offers a crucial lens to understand this evolution, particularly in modern contexts.

In ancient Greece, freedom (or eleutheria) was associated with civic participation. It was primarily enjoyed by free men; women and slaves were excluded. Ancient philosophies framed freedom as self-mastery and virtue.

During the Middle Ages, freedom intertwined with religious belief. Spiritual freedom emerged but political autonomy was constrained by feudal hierarchies and the Church’s authority.

The Renaissance revived classical individualism, leading to the Enlightenment, where thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau articulated notions of personal liberty and social contract. Freedom came to be viewed as a natural right, emphasising individual autonomy and rationality.

The 19th and 20th Centuries saw revolutions advocating for political and social freedoms. These were often driven by industrialisation and urbanisation. Fromm argued that this newfound freedom came with existential anxiety; as societies became more individualistic, people experienced a loss of community, leading to isolation and fear.

Fromm emphasised the dual nature of freedom: while it offered personal autonomy, it also brought the fear of loneliness and responsibility. He identified two responses to this anxiety: some individuals sought to escape it by submitting to authority, seeking security in conformity; others expressed their anxiety through aggressive behaviour, attempting to exert control over their environment. These insights are particularly relevant in contemporary societies where rapid change can heighten feelings of alienation.

In Pakistan, the concept of freedom is complex and often ambiguous. The struggle for independence from British colonial rule in the mid-20th Century emphasised political sovereignty. However, the transition in 1947 was fraught with challenges, including religious and ethnic divisions that complicated the quest for unified freedom. Colonial legacies established power dynamics and social hierarchies that have persisted.

While Pakistan has experienced political liberation, such as the end of military rule, personal freedoms — especially regarding speech, gender and religion — remain contested. Fromm’s notion of authoritarianism resonates here, as many Pakistanis navigate a landscape where submission to political or religious authorities appears to offer security. Resistance must occur at both conceptual and practical levels; active engagement is often lacking.

A significant obstacle to achieving true freedom in Pakistan is the ruling class, which often acts as an agent of neo-imperialist interests. This elite group frequently prioritises its own power and wealth over the collective rights and freedoms of the populace.

By aligning with foreign powers and maintaining oppressive structures, they undermine efforts towards genuine autonomy and social justice. Their influence exacerbates existing inequalities and perpetuates a cycle of dependence that stifles grassroots movements for change.

To understand freedom in this context, the contributions of Antonio Gramsci and Frantz Fanon are invaluable. Gramsci’s concept of hegemony highlights how ruling classes maintain control not just through force but also by shaping cultural narratives and norms.

This cultural dominance can obscure the true nature of oppression, making it essential to challenge these dominant ideologies to foster genuine liberation. Fanon, on the other hand, emphasises the psychological aspects of colonialism and the importance of reclaiming identity as a prerequisite for freedom. He argues that true liberation requires a radical transformation of consciousness, which is particularly pertinent for post-colonial societies like Pakistan.

Slavoj Žižek presents freedom as a complex and often paradoxical concept, arguing that it is intricately tied to the constraints imposed by ideological structures. He contends that true freedom cannot be understood simply as the absence of restrictions but must be examined through the lens of social and cultural frameworks that shape our desires and identities.

For Žižek, freedom is not merely a personal or individualistic pursuit; rather, it emerges within the context of collective struggles against oppressive systems. He emphasises that recognising one’s ideological conditioning is a crucial step toward authentic freedom, allowing individuals to challenge the status quo and reclaim agency. Ultimately, Žižek advocates for a dialectical understanding of freedom, where the interplay of constraints and possibilities leads to transformative social change.

In the context of Pakistani academia and decision-making bodies, Žižek’s insights can inspire a critical re-evaluation of prevailing ideologies and practices. By encouraging scholars and policymakers to interrogate the ideological underpinnings of their decisions, Žižek’s concept of freedom can foster a more reflective and engaged approach to education and governance.

This perspective can empower academic institutions to become spaces of resistance against authoritarianism and dogma, promoting a culture of open discourse and critical inquiry.

Additionally, by framing freedom as a collective struggle, Pakistani decision-makers might be more inclined to prioritise social justice and inclusivity, ultimately leading to policies that better reflect the diverse needs of the populace. Such an approach could cultivate a dynamic intellectual environment that not only champions individual rights but also advocates for systemic change, aligning with the broader goals of societal transformation.

Local traditions and customs can play a vital role in securing freedom for individuals. They provide frameworks for community support, helping people navigate the complexities of autonomy within a collective context.

The interplay between traditional values and modern aspirations complicates the understanding of freedom. Citizens often find themselves caught between familial expectations and personal desires, reflecting Fromm’s notion of freedom as a double-edged sword. However, local customs can also foster resilience and resistance, enabling individuals to assert their rights while maintaining cultural identity.

Recent social movements in Pakistan, advocating for women’s rights and minority protections, indicate a growing demand for personal freedoms. These movements challenge authoritarian tendencies while highlighting fears and resistance that can arise in the face of change. In this context, local traditions can serve as a foundation for activism, allowing individuals to mobilise around shared values and experiences.

Decolonisation of thought is crucial for cultivating freedom in Pakistan, particularly in a society with entrenched absolutist tendencies. This process involves critically examining dominant narratives and power structures established during colonial rule, while also countering neo-Orientalist epistemic traditions that persist in Pakistan’s knowledge systems. These traditions often reinforce stereotypes and misconceptions about the region, hindering a nuanced understanding of its cultural and political realities.

Engaging with indigenous philosophies helps people understand freedom not merely as a Western construct but as a multifaceted concept rooted in local contexts. This reimagining can empower citizens to redefine their identities, promoting a more inclusive notion of freedom that transcends authoritarian constraints. Educational initiatives emphasising critical thinking, cultural heritage and social justice can encourage citizens to question oppressive systems and envision a more equitable society.

However, the reluctance to accept the responsibilities that come with freedom poses a significant roadblock. Many individuals, seeking contentment, tend to relinquish decision-making authority, prioritising security over active engagement. This mind-set can hinder the establishment of a robust democracy, as citizens may be reluctant to hold their leaders accountable.

Empowering political institutions to function independently of non-political forces is vital. Strengthening local bodies can facilitate grassroots engagement and accountability, achievable only if the judiciary is independent and the election commission is non-partisan. Such measures create an environment where political processes reflect the people’s will.

The evolution of freedom reflects a continuous struggle between individual autonomy and societal structures. Fromm’s analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding this dynamic, particularly in contexts like Pakistan, where historical legacies shape the experience of freedom. How to embrace freedom without succumbing to the anxieties it provokes remains the challenge.

The journey towards freedom is continuous and multifaceted. It demands critical engagement with the past, a courageous stance in the present and a visionary approach to the future. The interplay of local traditions and modern aspirations will shape Pakistan’s narrative of freedom, paving the way for a society that values and protects the rights of all its citizens.

The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore