Abstract
Resistance is a notion that can be viewed both from a common-sense perspective and from a scientific one. This volume contains a diverse range of empirical evidences of common-sense resistance in different cultural conditions. In each case, there is linkage with theoretical dimensions. These experiences facilitate a focus on resistance as a potential event for meaning-making, when faced with alternative perspectives. The common meaning of resistance has a loaded social value of opposition or contradiction. However, in recent psychological theory building, the term is value-free. Through explorations of life course dynamics in different domains, the process of active meaning-making has emerged from the instances of resistance. The primary focus of this book is to demonstrate how resistance as a phenomenon is key to human activity. We come to the conclusion that different forms of resistance have a similar process: neutralization, followed by one of the different forms: (a) counter-action (active event or symbolic), (b) escalated symbolic acceptance (of no action consequences) and (c) transversal displacement of action. Additionally, we have found some evidence to suggest that culturally significant issues or areas of heightened activity are more likely to elicit instances of resistance, in comparison with areas of lower significance. Thus, examples of resistance in different cultural settings can, in fact, provide evidence of the symbolic landscape of culture, making it possible to identify the contours of interaction through the study of resistance.
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Notes
- 1.
It is not inconsequential that the title of our seminar caused some hurdles for international travel. The first signs of “trouble” appeared when one participant submitted his application for a visa. A seminar on “Rhythms of Resistance” must have conjured up antagonistic images for the Ministry of External Affairs in India. It appeared as if this was a potentially subversive gathering of scholars in Delhi. However, the problems were soon resolved through discussions with relevant authorities.
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Acknowledgements
The writing of this chapter was supported by the Niels Bohr Professorship grant by Danske Grundforskingsfond.
We would like to thank Dr. S. Anandalakshmy for her comments and suggestions for this chapter.
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Chaudhary, N., Valsiner, J. (2017). Rhythms of Resistance: A Way Forward. In: Chaudhary, N., Hviid, P., Marsico, G., Villadsen, J. (eds) Resistance in Everyday Life. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3581-4_23
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