Which of the following refers to the capacity for self-governance within a society?

The concept of autonomy specifically refers to the capacity for self-governance within a society. This term encapsulates the idea that a society or community has the ability to make decisions independently and manage its own affairs, reflecting a level of freedom and self-determination.

Autonomy is critical in discussions about societal governance, as it emphasizes the rights and abilities of groups to govern themselves according to their own beliefs, values, and needs. This can include various dimensions, such as political, cultural, and personal autonomy, and illustrates the degree to which a community can function independently of external control.

Understanding autonomy is essential in contexts like policy-making, where recognizing a society's desire for self-governance can lead to more respectful and effective interactions, acknowledging their right to determine their path and manage internal matters without outside interference.

The other options, while related to society, do not specifically capture the essence of self-governance. Community refers to a group of individuals living in a specific area or sharing common interests, culture denotes the shared beliefs, practices, and values of a group, and norms are the established standards of behavior within a society. None of these terms fully encapsulates the idea of self-governance as autonomy does.