Passive Resistance

Definition

Passive resistance is a non-violent form of protest where individuals or groups refuse to cooperate with oppressive systems, often through civil disobedience or non-compliance. This approach is rooted in the belief that moral authority and ethical behavior can bring about change without resorting to violence. By resisting in a passive manner, individuals aim to highlight injustices and mobilize support for their cause, often leading to social and political transformation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passive resistance has been notably employed by various movements throughout history, including the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against British colonial rule.
2. This form of resistance is characterized by the refusal to engage in violent acts, even when faced with aggression from authorities.
3. Passive resistance often includes actions such as strikes, boycotts, sit-ins, and other non-violent methods aimed at disrupting normal operations of oppressive systems.
4. The effectiveness of passive resistance relies on the ability to gain public sympathy and support for the cause while maintaining moral high ground against oppressors.
5. During the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, leaders like Nelson Mandela initially embraced passive resistance strategies before shifting to more aggressive tactics later on.

Review Questions

• How does passive resistance differ from other forms of protest in terms of its methods and underlying philosophy?
  • Passive resistance sets itself apart from other forms of protest by its commitment to non-violence and moral high ground. Unlike armed struggle or violent uprisings, passive resistance emphasizes civil disobedience and non-compliance as tools for change. This approach seeks to expose injustices and rally public support by appealing to ethical considerations rather than coercive force, thus fostering a more inclusive environment for dialogue and transformation.
• Discuss the role of passive resistance in the context of colonial rule and its impact on colonial powers.
  • Passive resistance played a significant role in challenging colonial rule by undermining the authority of colonial powers without resorting to violence. Movements employing passive resistance often utilized tactics like boycotts and protests to disrupt economic and social systems imposed by colonizers. By refusing to comply with unjust laws and practices, they not only raised awareness about the oppressive nature of colonialism but also inspired solidarity among oppressed populations, ultimately contributing to decolonization efforts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of passive resistance as a strategy for social change in comparison to more militant approaches within various historical movements.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of passive resistance reveals its unique strengths and challenges when compared to militant approaches. While passive resistance can garner widespread sympathy and moral legitimacy, it may face significant obstacles when confronting deeply entrenched systems of oppression. Conversely, militant movements can achieve rapid change through force but may risk losing public support due to their violent methods. The choice between these strategies often depends on specific historical contexts, available resources, and the level of repression faced by activists, making both forms of resistance significant yet distinct avenues for social change.

Related terms

Civil Disobedience: The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government, often as a peaceful form of protest.

Nonviolent Resistance: A method of protest or conflict resolution that rejects the use of violence, focusing instead on peaceful tactics to bring about social or political change.

Boycott: A collective decision to abstain from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as a form of protest.