Confinement as a Measure of Freedom in the ‘New Normal’

Abstract

This paper explores the ambiguous relationship between confinement and freedom in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic and its “new normal.” Drawing on philosophical, political, ecological, and personal perspectives, it argues that confinement can both restrict and enable forms of freedom, challenging conventional understandings of both terms. Through an observational audiovisual study conducted during lockdown, the author examines human and non-human behavior, highlighting parallels between urban residents and wildlife inhabiting shared spaces under altered conditions. The work reflects on how digital connectivity, distraction, and social distancing reshape perceptions of autonomy and interaction. It also critiques the notion of the “new normal” as a recurring and often superficial response to crisis. Ultimately, the paper proposes a shift toward a more sensory and relational understanding of existence, inspired by encounters with animals and the ineffable aspects of experience, reframing freedom as an internal and contextual condition rather than a fixed state.