Civil Resistance:

A Conceptual Approach from the Experience of Social Organizations in Montes de María

Abstract

“Civil resistance” is a concept widely disseminated among academia and Colombian social organizations. Its study is of singular importance, given the various conflicts faced by the country, including the armed conflict of the last sixty years. In academia, theoretical and conceptual definitions are varied. In praxis, the concept is polysemic and transcends the scopes or limitations that have been described by theoreticians on the subject, as evidenced by social movements and organizations. Objective: The objective of this article is to provide a conceptual approach to civil resistance by reviewing different authors and then examining its relevance in the context of Montes de María, where social organizations have practiced civil resistance in the framework of the armed conflict and as part of the transition toward building territorial peace. Methodology: This was qualitative research, through the PAR approach, conducted in the municipality of Ovejas with four social processes. The text will examine the experiences of several social organizations in the historic territory of the Colombian Caribbean, including the Asociación de campesinos productores del corregimiento de San Rafael, the Asociación de Campesinos de la finca la Europa, the Asociación de Víctimas de Chengue, and the Corporación de mujeres Narrar para Vivir. These organizations have developed civil resistance practices in the context of the armed conflict. Results: The concept of “civil resistance” has evolved over time, as different perspectives have
enriched it through practical development in history. The article begins by providing several approaches to help readers understand the concept of civil resistance, and then examines how this concept relates to the actions taken by social organizations in Montes de María. It then discusses the different conflicts present in the territory, including the armed conflict. The results of the research suggest that these forms of resistance can be classified based on time as permanent, conjunctural, or emergent, and based on the margin of action as active or passive. Conclusions: In the Montes de María region, social organizations have implemented forms of civil resistance that have enabled them to overcome the armed conflict, as well as promote territorial development and make progress in the construction of territorial peace based on their collective and individual experiences of resistance.