Constructive Resistance: Conceptualising and Mapping the Terrain

People living under systems of domination and exploitation engage in resistance in diverse ways, including building and experimenting with alternatives to the present. These efforts, often termed "constructive resistance," involve initiatives where individuals begin to shape the society they desire, independently of the dominant structures. In peace and conflict studies, this concept aligns with Gandhi’s idea of the constructive programme. In anarchist and Marxist traditions, it is known as prefigurative politics. While there are overlaps between these concepts, they emphasize different aspects. Despite frequent discussions among scholars and activists about the need for constructive approaches to resistance, relatively little has been written about analyzing these alternatives. This article proposes a broad definition of constructive resistance, grounded in an inclusive understanding of resistance itself. It explores how to balance the elements of "construction" and "resistance" through diverse examples, considering how much of each is necessary to qualify as constructive resistance.