Protest expert: Why are current movements using the word ‘resistance’

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Purdue University expert who focuses on the dynamics of protest and resistance can talk about how and why current political movements are utilizing the word “resistance.”

 “Resistance is such a powerful term as it was used throughout Europe during World War II,” says Rachel Einwohner, a professor of sociology. “We have a romantic notion of resistance that the idea is underground, armed and in the context of war. But the word resistance has a much broader meaning that shouldn’t be limited to terms of violence; it is not a call to arms, but a call to action.

“It’s also intriguing that this word is being used now, and has not been used broadly in social movements of the recent past, such as Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movement.”

Einwohner, also an expert in political sociology, can talk about:

* Social media and protests.

* Protest effectiveness.

* Role of gender in protest dynamics.

* Protestors’ sense of results.

* Historical perspective of protesting in America.

Einwohner has studied the U.S. animal rights movement, the college-based anti-sweatshop movement and Jewish resistance during the Holocaust. She also is studying Black Lives Matter. 

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu 

Source: Rachel Einwohner, 765-494-4696, einwohnerr@purdue.edu