Few sociologists have investigated, systematically and empirically, the concept of freedom, as such. In this paper, freedom is explored as it is viewed and experienced by people rather than as a philosophical construct. Three dimensions of freedom are identified: ego, discipline, and conditional. These types of freedom are examined in six types of groups and in relation to feelings of loss of freedom. Finally, we approach a theory of freedom, its dimensions, and the manner in which it is experienced by actors.