key term - Passive resistance

Definition

Passive resistance is a nonviolent approach to opposing authority or oppressive systems, where individuals refuse to comply with certain laws, demands, or commands while maintaining a stance of peaceful protest. This method emphasizes moral power and the strength of conviction over physical force, promoting social change through the demonstration of principles rather than aggression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passive resistance gained prominence in the early 20th century as a method for social change and political opposition without resorting to violence.
2. Mahatma Gandhi is often credited with popularizing passive resistance during India's struggle for independence from British rule, using it effectively to mobilize the masses.
3. The approach can be seen in various movements across the world, including the American Civil Rights Movement led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
4. Passive resistance aims to create awareness and provoke change by highlighting injustices, rather than seeking immediate confrontation.
5. The effectiveness of passive resistance relies heavily on public support and the moral high ground, making it crucial to engage citizens and media in the cause.

Review Questions

• How does passive resistance differ from violent methods of protest, and why might individuals choose this approach?
  • Passive resistance differs from violent methods in that it seeks to achieve change through nonviolent means, emphasizing moral authority rather than physical force. Individuals might choose this approach to highlight injustice without escalating conflict, appealing to a broader audience for support. By maintaining peaceful protests, they aim to garner sympathy and create awareness about their cause while minimizing harm to themselves and others.
• Discuss the historical significance of passive resistance in major social movements and its impact on public perception of dissent.
  • Passive resistance has played a crucial role in major social movements, particularly during the Indian independence movement led by Gandhi and the American Civil Rights Movement spearheaded by Martin Luther King Jr. These movements demonstrated how nonviolent strategies could effectively challenge oppressive systems and shift public perception of dissent towards a more sympathetic view. As a result, passive resistance has become an important tactic for marginalized groups seeking justice and equality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of passive resistance as a strategy for social change in contemporary movements and its potential limitations.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of passive resistance today shows it remains a powerful strategy for social change in movements like Black Lives Matter and climate activism. However, its limitations include the potential for government pushback against peaceful protests and the challenge of maintaining public engagement over time. Moreover, in an age where rapid information dissemination can lead to violent responses from authorities, activists must adapt their strategies while still upholding the principles of nonviolence.

Related terms

Civil disobedience: The active refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government, typically as a peaceful form of political protest.

Nonviolent resistance: A method of protest that seeks to achieve social or political change without using violence, relying on peaceful tactics like marches, sit-ins, and boycotts.

Mohandas Gandhi: A prominent leader in the Indian independence movement known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British colonial rule.