The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
freedom to not do things
attitude: some people can think like this about something (see more)
If someone (e.g. John) doesn’t want to do something, John doesn’t have to do it.
If someone else (e.g. Warren) says to John “I want you to do it, because of this you have to do it.” John can always say to Warren “I don’t want to do it, because of this I don't have to do it.”
This is good.
Note
This is a broad attitude which is influenced by many other contextual factors. In particular the values around being polite and being nice to others. Often, children do not have the ability to say 'I don't want to do it' to their parents, but at the same time they are taught that they can say 'no' to strangers."Jules is in the park. Jeff says to Jules 'I don't want you to be here. I want you to go somewhere else.' Jules can say 'I don't want to. I don't have to.'"
"The volunteer committee asked Cameron to do two roles this year. Cameron can say 'I don't want to'. It is bad if the committee says 'You have to do it'."
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