passivitet

Passivitet refers to the state or quality of being passive: not taking action, not engaging, or existing in a non-active mode. The term is used across disciplines to describe how individuals, groups, processes, or materials behave when activity or responsiveness is low or absent. Domain-specific meanings depend on the field of study.

In psychology and behavioral sciences, passivity describes a tendency to refrain from initiating actions or decisions. It can arise from perceived lack of control, anxiety, or depressive symptoms, and may reflect learned helplessness or coping strategies. Passivity can be situational or persistent and is often discussed in relation to motivation and autonomy.

In sociology and political science, political passivity or civic passivity denotes low levels of political participation, such as voting, contacting representatives, or engaging in public debate. Contributing factors include perceived political efficacy, barriers to participation, cultural norms, and satisfaction with the status quo. The phenomenon raises questions about representation, legitimacy, and the functioning of democratic systems.

In materials science and chemistry, passivation is a related but distinct concept: the formation of a protective, often thin oxide or other film on a material’s surface that reduces chemical reactivity and increases corrosion resistance. Examples include chromium oxide on stainless steel and aluminum oxide on aluminum. The protective film can form spontaneously in air or be induced by chemical treatments. Passivity in this sense is desirable for durability but can be compromised by damage or aggressive environments.