Wahl’83

From the Schools to the Streets: Education and Anti-Regime Resistance in the West Bank

“…Although there are relatively few systematic studies of participation in anti-regime resistance, relevant literature suggests that education exerts an effect primarily because of its nationalist or political content. 14 This article does not contradict these perspectives. Rather, it shows that, even when the educational system contains little or no overt nationalist or political content, education can still increase the likelihood of participation in unarmed resistance.…”

“…First, education may instill a strong and lasting sense of national identity or grievance that motivates participation. 26 Second, education may give rise to grievances if unmatched by material or social advancement. 27 Finally, education may increase an individual's political interest and knowledge, making him more likely to participate.…”

“…Existing theories emphasizing the nationalist or political content of education cannot well explain these findings: for nearly all of its history, the Palestinian educational system was under foreign control. 4 To explain this puzzle, this article develops an institutionalist argument that focuses on the structure of education rather than its content. Its main argument is that, among groups with high anti-regime sentiment and low, internal organizational strength, education makes individuals more likely to participate in anti-regime resistance.…”