Resistance

Definition

Resistance refers to the act of opposing or refusing to accept power, authority, or control exerted over an individual or group. It involves challenging and rejecting the imposition of dominant forces, whether social, political, or institutional, in an effort to assert autonomy and maintain self-determination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resistance can take various forms, including passive non-compliance, active protest, and organized social movements.
2. Resistance is often a response to perceived injustice, oppression, or the imposition of unwanted policies or practices by those in power.
3. The ability to resist is influenced by factors such as access to resources, social networks, and the perceived legitimacy of the dominant power.
4. Resistance can lead to social change, but it can also be met with repression or co-option by those in power.
5. The effectiveness of resistance is often determined by the strategies and tactics employed, as well as the broader political and social context.

Review Questions

• Explain how resistance relates to the concept of power and authority in society.
  • Resistance is a response to the unequal distribution and exercise of power within social relationships. When individuals or groups perceive that those in authority are exerting control or imposing policies that are seen as unjust or oppressive, they may engage in various forms of resistance to challenge and reject this power dynamic. Resistance can take the form of passive non-compliance, active protest, or organized social movements, as a way for the less powerful to assert their autonomy and maintain self-determination.
• Describe how the concept of collective action is related to resistance.
  • Collective action is an important aspect of resistance, as it involves the coordination and mobilization of individuals or groups to challenge and resist dominant power structures. By coming together and acting in a coordinated manner, those with less power can leverage their collective resources and influence to resist the imposition of unwanted policies or practices. Collective action can take the form of organized protests, boycotts, strikes, or other forms of collective resistance, and is often a key strategy in social movements aimed at challenging the status quo and achieving social change.
• Analyze how the effectiveness of resistance is influenced by factors such as access to resources, social networks, and the perceived legitimacy of the dominant power.
  • The effectiveness of resistance is often determined by the broader political and social context, as well as the specific strategies and tactics employed by those engaging in resistance. Factors such as access to resources (e.g., financial, organizational, and informational resources), the strength and cohesion of social networks, and the perceived legitimacy of the dominant power can all play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of resistance efforts. Resistance that is well-resourced, well-organized, and viewed as legitimate by a broader public is more likely to achieve its goals and contribute to social change, while resistance that lacks these elements may be more easily suppressed or co-opted by those in power.

Related terms

Power Dynamics: The unequal distribution and exercise of power within social relationships, often leading to resistance from those with less power.

Civil Disobedience: The active, but nonviolent, refusal to obey certain laws or commands of a government or occupying power, considered a form of political resistance.

Collective Action: The coordination and mobilization of individuals or groups to challenge and resist dominant power structures through organized efforts.