There are different views in psychology as to how autonomy is gained, though all psychodynamic views would agree that autonomy necessarily includes autonomy from one's parents. This is resolved by sexuality becoming latent and being replaced by an identification with the parent of the same sex. The parent of the opposite sex is then rediscovered at puberty, when the person becomes attracted to the opposite sex. Autonomy in Jungian psychology, seen through the myths created in fairy tales, views children as given symbolic gifts to help them, and finds children supported by special helpers, but the emphasis is on finding their way themselves and finally finding their own mates. If not resolved, the dependence on the parents is transferred onto the adult partners and autonomy is not achieved.
Autonomy means assertion of our own needs, making choices and finding our own partner.
In politics autonomy is a relative concept which refers to the degree of freedom from coercion or outside influence which a state, a region, a group or an individual has over its own actions. The expression the 'autonomy of the state' when used by historians or political scientists may also refer to the ability of state officials to pursue state interests, rather than simply reflecting or reacting to the interests of dominant groups in society. Theoretically all states which are recognized in the world system as sovereign are thought to be autonomous from other states. Regions and peoples within states may seek autonomy, rather than independence, that is, they seek self-government in domestic public policy rather than sovereignty in foreign affairs. Such autonomy may take the form of a developed government within a unitary state, a cantonal or provincial government within a federation, or indeed a nonterritorial form.