Passive disobedience refers to a form of non-compliance or resistance where an individual or group refuses to follow certain rules, laws, or orders, but does so in a non-aggressive or non-violent manner. It is a strategy employed to express dissent or protest without resorting to overt defiance or direct confrontation. Passive disobedience is characterized by a deliberate refusal to obey, comply, or participate, often through acts of omission rather than commission.
This form of disobedience involves methods such as non-cooperation, withdrawal, or non-engagement, all of which aim to disrupt or undermine authority by refusing to conform. It can take various forms, such as peaceful protests, civil disobedience, boycotts, or strikes, where individuals withhold their support, resources, or participation as a means to challenge prevailing norms or demand change.
Passive disobedience is rooted in the idea that individuals have the right to exercise their freedom of conscience and the moral obligation to resist unjust or oppressive systems. It aims to expose the flaws or shortcomings of governing entities and challenge the legitimacy of their policies through acts of passive resistance.
While passive disobedience may not involve explicit acts of hostility, it can still create significant disruption and societal impact. It often serves as a powerful tool for social and political change, allowing individuals to voice their dissent, raise awareness, and mobilize others without resorting to aggressive or violent means.
