Article Title
Everyday Resistance Against the Mandatory Hijab and the Lack of Collective Solidarity in Iran
Abstract
The mandatory hijab in Iran serves as a symbol of social control over women, leading to individual and everyday forms of resistance. This article employs James Scott’s theory of “everyday resistance” alongside Hannah Arendt’s concept of “individuality” to explore why these acts of resistance remain fragmented and largely ineffective. The analysis reveals that the severe repression of protests and the imposition of a passive individuality by the Islamic Republic of Iran hinder the formation of collective action and effective solidarity among women. A firsthand account witnessed by the author describes a violent confrontation between the Gasht-eErshad (morality police) and a woman without the mandatory hijab, highlighting the absence of collective support from bystanders. Ultimately, this article emphasizes the need to strengthen collective solidarity to achieve more effective resistance by women.