Most contemporary systems denote an ownership of the individual by the state and entities linked to it. You are forced to pay taxes, confined to a set geographical area unless you have the means to emigrate, might be forced into public schooling and so on. Some systems create more leeway regarding what an individual is allowed to do while others curb the allowed actions for either a 'greater good' or straight out continuation of tyranny. Every system has those who reap great benefit, and those who are left forgotten and ignored in the gutter.