There is nothing wrong with underlining personal agency, but there is something unfair about using personal responsibility as a basis for assigning blame while simultaneously denying those who are being blamed the opportunity to exert agency in their lives
In "Infections and Inequalities: The Modern Plagues," Paul Farmer discusses the complex interplay between personal agency and responsibility. He highlights that while it is important to acknowledge individual agency, it becomes problematic when personal responsibility is used to assign blame, especially if those individuals are not given a fair chance to exercise their agency in life. This creates an unjust situation where people are held accountable for outcomes without considering the structural barriers they face.
Farmer argues for a more equitable approach that recognizes the social determinants of health and the various inequalities that influence people's lives. By solely attributing blame to individuals, society overlooks the systemic issues that limit personal agency. Addressing these structural inequalities is essential to fostering true responsibility and offering people the opportunities they need to succeed and thrive.
