Paper Summary:

This paper outlines and analyzes Kevin O'Brien's theory of "rightful resistance" as a legitimate means of protest. The paper also identifies areas where this theory is problematic and offers the conclusion that O'Brien's theory suggests a necessary collaboration between the population and the policy makers as a relatively non-violent way of reform.

From the Paper:

"Another form of "rightful resistance" is the success of wage reform in the United States involves political opportunity legal and litigation tools, and traditional American discourse relating to equality (48). In democratic political systems, O'Brien claims "rightful resistance" is one way for ordinary citizens to make officials and policy makers "prisoners of their own rhetoric" (51). In contrast to rural China, wage reform exemplifies social progress and the establishment of new laws. O'Brien argues wage reform was not an act of legitimation of U.S. polities but it did legitimate democracy as a political institution (52). O'Brien's use of wage reform as a form of "rightful resistance" is more sensible, since society is shifting in consciousness and thought as opposed to China, where the shift occurred as a result of an accessibility to information. Essentially, "rightful resisters" are exercising political agency within their own confines and challenging the efficacy of existing political actors (55). "Rightful resistance" indicates political involvement, whether through legal strategy or change in social consciousness. Put simply, if the villagers adopt new goals separate from political elites, the villagers will most likely lose their political power regardless of the number of alliances with outside sources, thus invalidating "rightful resistance" as an effective form of contention."

Sample of Sources Used:

• O'Brien, Kevin J. "Rightful Resistance." World Politics 49.1 (1996): 31-55. Print.

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