Passive resistance

Definition

Passive resistance is a nonviolent form of protest or opposition in which individuals refuse to cooperate with certain laws, demands, or commands imposed by authority. This method is often used to challenge injustices and provoke change without resorting to violence. It emphasizes the power of peaceful defiance, highlighting moral conviction while aiming to create awareness and dialogue around social and political issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passive resistance became a widely recognized strategy during the civil rights movement, especially in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
2. One of the most famous examples of passive resistance is the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, which protested British salt laws in India.
3. Passive resistance often involves actions like sit-ins, marches, and boycotts that aim to disrupt normalcy without causing harm.
4. The effectiveness of passive resistance lies in its ability to draw public attention to injustices and mobilize support from broader communities.
5. Despite its nonviolent nature, passive resistance can lead to significant legal consequences for participants, as they may be arrested or face penalties for their refusal to comply with certain laws.

Review Questions

• How does passive resistance differ from other forms of protest, and why might individuals choose this method?
  • Passive resistance differs from other forms of protest primarily through its commitment to nonviolence. Individuals may choose this method because it allows them to express their opposition while maintaining moral integrity and avoiding conflict. By refraining from violence, they aim to appeal to a wider audience and encourage dialogue about the issues at hand, thereby promoting social change through awareness rather than aggression.
• Discuss the historical significance of passive resistance in social movements, providing examples to illustrate its impact.
  • Passive resistance has played a crucial role in various social movements throughout history. For instance, during the American civil rights movement, figures like Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized nonviolent protests to challenge racial segregation and discrimination. Similarly, Gandhi's leadership in the Indian independence movement showcased how passive resistance could effectively challenge colonial authority and inspire mass participation. These examples highlight how passive resistance can mobilize communities around shared goals and influence legislative changes.
• Evaluate the potential challenges and criticisms associated with passive resistance as a method of protest in contemporary society.
  • While passive resistance has proven effective historically, it faces challenges in contemporary society. Critics argue that it may be less impactful in an era where rapid communication and media saturation can dilute messages. Additionally, participants often encounter legal repercussions that could deter involvement or lead to harsher crackdowns by authorities. Moreover, some believe that passive resistance might be insufficient against oppressive regimes that do not respond to peaceful protests, raising questions about its effectiveness as a sole strategy for achieving social justice.

Related terms

Civil disobedience: A deliberate and public refusal to obey certain laws or governmental demands, often undertaken as a form of protest against perceived injustice.

Nonviolent resistance: A strategy for social change that seeks to achieve goals without the use of physical force, relying on peaceful methods like protests, boycotts, and sit-ins.

Mahatma Gandhi: A key figure in promoting passive resistance and nonviolent protest in the early 20th century, particularly known for his role in India's struggle for independence from British rule.