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Civil Disobedience

Definition

Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government without resorting to physical violence. It's often used as a form of political protest.

Analogy

Think of civil disobedience like refusing to eat your vegetables at dinner because you believe they're not good for you. You're not throwing a tantrum or flipping the table over (that would be violent protest), but you're making it clear that you won't comply with this particular rule set by the "authority" (in this case, your parents).

Related terms

Nonviolent Resistance: This is a method of social change that employs strategies such as protests and strikes but avoids violence. Like civil disobedience, it's about making a point without causing physical harm.

Direct Action: This term refers to political activities designed to have an immediate impact. It includes things like sit-ins and marches which are often forms of civil disobedience.

Passive Resistance: This is another term for nonviolent resistance where protestors intentionally refrain from reacting violently even in self-defense. It's similar to civil disobedience in its peaceful approach but can also include actions like accepting punishment without fighting back.