Final answer:
James Scott's study on peasant resistance in Malaysia reveals various forms of silent and overt opposition to the ruling classes, extending from local acts of sabotage to larger political movements against the impacts of globalization, like the Zapatista rebellion, galvanizing the need for environmental reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to James Scott, everyday forms of peasant resistance, such as those studied in Malaysia, may include a range of subtle and overt acts aimed at undermining the dominance of the ruling classes. This resistance can manifest in numerous ways, from intentional work-slowdowns to sabotage, and even extends to the international stage where free trade agreements impact local economies and agricultural practices.
For instance, Malaysian peasants might employ tactics like feigning ignorance or accidentally breaking tools to subtly resist the structures imposed upon them. Similarly, in response to globalization effects, such as those presented by NAFTA, peasants and indigenous groups engaged in political movements like the Zapatista rebellion to assert their rights and livelihoods. These forms of resistance portray a consistent struggle against exploitation and oppression conducted through small, everyday actions as well as organized uprisings and protests.
Moreover, anthropological research by scholars like Fabiana Li highlights how local communities, such as peasants in Peru, unite with urban activists to confront environmental damage caused by extractive industries, displaying the interconnectedness of environmental reform and the fight against colonial and corporate exploitation.