5 Summary of Week 4

Resistance is a rich topic and practice that can take many forms, depending on the circumstances and the people involved. It is possible to map various forms of resistance along two continuums – that of hidden–public and individual–collective. These continuums suggest Four Is of resistance. Individual infrapolitics is resistance that is individual and hidden. Collective infrapolitics is hidden but conducted by many people. Insubordination is individual but public. Insurrection is both collective and public. The map does not cover all forms of resistance, however. It is also possible to surface forms of resistance by considering how they respond to power. Taking this approach allows you to see resistance that is practised through distance, persistence and difference.

No single form of resistance is necessarily more effective than the others. What is (in)effective will depend on the circumstances – the type of power that is being resisted and the resources/opportunities that resisters have available. Resistance can also adapt in form over time, depending on the shifting nature of the power being resisted and the resources/opportunities available to those who resist. Finally, it is worth considering resistance that occurs under very challenging circumstances, such as those of heightened corruption. Under such circumstances, some practices of dispelling may be useful for gaining equitable outcomes in the short term, while recognising that the goal remains more systemic change.

You are now halfway through the course. The Open University would really appreciate your feedback and suggestions for future improvement in our optional end-of-course survey [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] , which you will also have an opportunity to complete at the end of Session 8. Participation will be completely confidential and we will not pass on your details to others.

You can now go to Week 5.