Resistance

Daniela Holzer

Chapter 39 in Research Handbook on Critical Theory, 2026, pp 450-461 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Resistance is not synonymous with activism, nor is it inherently critical. Instead, it manifests in various forms, expresses different intentions, and carries multiple meanings. This chapter examines resistance through the lens of negative dialectics, serving as both a methodological and theoretical framework. The focus is on silent, hidden, and unarticulated forms of resistance, often overlooked in research. Selected theoretical explanations and empirical evidence provide insights into non-obvious resistance, particularly in adult education, where it predominantly appears as silent non-participation. This illustrates that while resistance can serve as a critical refusal, it is not confined to this role. A critical theory of resistance to adult education must recognise the complexity of its various forms, but the resistance can also be reconstructed as an expression of rejecting the burden of adjusting one's entire life. However, it requires self-reflexivity and awareness of counter-reactions to adapt and maintain the effectiveness of resistance while fully utilising its potential.

Keywords: Resistance; Refusal; Negative Dialectics; Adult Education; Silent and Hidden Resistance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781800373754
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