Methods Against Resistance

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project Managing resistance: Methods for approaching resistance towards gender equality, has been achieved by that gender researcher have worked together in group processes with change agents from Emergency Services, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, and developed knowledge and methods that enhance the ability to identify and manage resistance towards gender equality. The project approach and results have contributed to practical gender equality work among project partners and other organizations.

Results and expected effects

Results reveal various forms of resistance and strategies to meet resistance. They allow analysis of switching strategies in different situations and to discern patterns in how actions shape conditions for further work. New knowledge about resistance and strategies contribute to research on gender equality. The project design has enabled transfer of knowledge to partner organizations. Elaborated analyzes has shown to contribute to that situations of resistance appears more productive and manageable. This indicates possibilities for gender equality work to reach further.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out in three steps. Based on knowledge about interactive processes of change and resistance towards gender equality work, a design for a workshop series was developed. In the workshops, participants worked with various forms of resistance and to intervene in situations of resistance. They analyzed experiences and strategies for meeting resistance. Joint work has contributed to understanding and analysis of strategic action in situations of resistance. Documentation from the workshops has been analyzed and resulted in popular and scientific products.