Passive resistance

Those who wish to change or reform society against the resistance of a ruling elite, but who are unwilling on moral or other grounds to do so by violent means, have the option of "passive resistance". This system, developed particularly by Mahatma Gandhi, usually involves: deliberate flouting of laws to which there are objections and the obstruction of law enforcement agencies attempting to rectify the position, often by mass sitting or lying down in front of traffic; boycotting of particular services; hunger strikes; and even suicide. The essence of passive resistance is that the persons involved are prepared to suffer the consequences of their actions, even if this involves imprisonment, injury or death, in order to draw attention to their cause. Such action can only be successful when the ruling body is sufficiently humanitarian, or sensitive to public opinion, to respond in the required manner.