The Phenomenon of Resistance Communication: A Case Study of an Urban Poor Community in Quezon City

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the phenomenon of collective resistance through a communication perspective in the context of the urban poor. A qualitative case study involving five (5) research participants from different backgrounds living in the same urban poor community in Quezon City, Philippines was used. The research participants were interviewed to gain their insights and knowledge as basis in understanding how they communicate collective resistance in their community. After reviewing the interviews and emerging themes and narratives have been analyzed, the results show that three key communicative elements are the basis in establishing resistance in the urban poor setting: communicating their lived experience, their defiance against shared injustices, and their response with collective action. All three elements center around the urban poor’s continuous exploitation and marginalization. This study aims to contribute to the growing literature on collective resistance through a communication approach, highlighting the participation of the marginalized group or sector’s lived experiences as imperative in establishing resistance. The findings on this study may be used by policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers in understanding how communication is a critical component in social mobilization.