What does the term 'agency' refer to?

The term 'agency' refers to the ability to make decisions within constraints, highlighting individuals’ capacity to act independently and make choices that influence their circumstances and environment. It emphasizes the control individuals exert over their actions, despite any limitations they may face. This encompasses not only the decisions made but the context in which they are made, including personal, social, and institutional factors.

This perspective is essential for understanding how individuals navigate complex systems and challenges, aligning with concepts in sustainability where individual choices can lead to larger systemic changes. Agency plays a crucial role in advocating for sustainable practices and policies, as individuals or groups have the power to influence these forces through informed decision-making.

Other options, while related to broader concepts, do not encapsulate the essence of agency as accurately. The reference to physical and non-physical infrastructure pertains more to the structures that sustain a community rather than individual decision-making capacity. The outcome of decisions made by individuals focuses on the results of actions rather than the process of making those decisions. Lastly, the collective power of a community leans more toward communal agency but does not directly address the individual ability to make choices within limitations.