Runaway rights: A closer look at different rights visions and entitlement perceptions

Abstract

We live in an age of rights in which individual rights and freedoms are highly prioritized, often overshadowing duties and responsibilities. This makes it increasingly challenging to discern the balance between one’s own rights and the protection of the fundamental rights of all individuals. Moghaddam and colleagues (2024) introduced a model illustrating how rights evolve from being contested, to becoming normative, and eventually facing a backlash or exploitation for self-serving interests. In this commentary, we explore differing views on rights and entitlements. From a collective perspective, we identify factors that help distinguish between social movements advocating rights in an individualistic manner and those pursuing them democratically. Social responsibility and moral inclusion serve as key indicators for distinguishing pro-social from anti-social movements. On an individual level, we examine what causes some people to view rights through an individualistic lens, while others ground them in personal and social responsibilities. Specifically, perceptions of equal entitlement (i.e. self-respect) are tied to a focus on universal rights based on shared humanity and dignity, which also includes acknowledging equal rights for others. We discuss how these distinctions are relevant for Moghaddam et al.’s model and how equal entitlement beliefs can be fostered in societies.