Freedom+of+Association

Freedom of association is the basic right which protects people from discrimination due to people they are related to or are familiar with - everybody has the right to choose their company as they please. This again relates to Mills' theory of liberalism and 'Harm Principle,' that you may act how you please, provided nobody is harmed.  Freedom of association is the right and notion that an individual is able to independently choose who they associate and relate with. This freedom is based on the autonomous choice given to human beings. No matter what the purpose of association is, an individual is granted the right to choose who they are connected with. In today’s world, this concept and principle has been incorporated in various constitutions and conventions. E.g. 'The United States Constitution' and the 'European Convention on Human Rights'.

Another point is the American's ideals and beliefs of 'coloured' individuals within the 19th century. There was a period of segregation within the country separating blacks and whites, giving the blacks no rights within society and were only accepted as cheap labour. If a white individual were to be seen associating with a black individual  or black speaking to a white individual  , it was seen to be socially unacceptable and ethically wrong. Now in todays perspective we see that this is now not the case. Obiviously coloured individuals are given the same rights as white individuals and we have received the right to be able to associated with whom ever we'd like abiding by the idea of the 'Harm Principle'.

Freedom of association can be closely linked with the “Harm Principle” an J.S. Mills theory or Liberalism. Freedom of association is the essential right which defends individuals from discrimination as a result of the individuals they are connected or choose to relate themselves to.