microresistances

Microresistances refer to small, often subtle forms of resistance that individuals or groups exhibit in response to oppressive systems, authority, or social norms. Unlike overt acts of defiance, such as protests or strikes, microresistances are typically low-key, everyday behaviors that challenge power structures without drawing immediate attention. These actions can range from minor acts of noncompliance—such as ignoring a rule, delaying a task, or expressing dissent passively—to more symbolic gestures like refusing to engage in small talk with an authority figure or subtly undermining expectations through humor or silence.

The concept of microresistance was popularized by sociologist James C. Scott in his 1985 book *Weapons of the Weak*, where he examined how marginalized groups in rural societies resisted dominant elites through indirect, often covert means. Scott argued that these small acts of resistance, while seemingly insignificant individually, collectively undermine control and assert agency. Microresistances can occur in various contexts, including workplace dynamics, educational settings, or interpersonal relationships, where individuals may resist authority, discrimination, or unfair treatment through subtle, strategic behaviors.

Research in organizational behavior and critical psychology has expanded on this idea, showing how microresistances can include behaviors like "procrastination as resistance," "passive-aggressive communication," or even "quiet quitting"—where employees meet expectations minimally to assert autonomy. These actions reflect a desire for autonomy and dignity in environments where overt resistance may be risky or futile. While microresistances are not always effective in bringing about large-scale change, they can serve as coping mechanisms, affirmations of identity, and precursors to more organized forms of resistance. The study of microresistances highlights how power dynamics are negotiated not just through confrontation but also through the quiet, everyday resistance of those who experience oppression.