Boycott Quote by Johan Galtung
““Gandhian economic boycott, however, combined refusal to buy English textiles with the collection of funds for the merchants precisely not to confuse the key issue by threatening their livelihood.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Nonviolent Strategies, 1975
The quote warns that economic boycotts should target political leverage without harming the economic survival of the people being boycotted.
In simple terms: Boycotts must avoid hurting ordinary workers.
Key Takeaway
Design sanctions that pressure leaders, not livelihoods.
Themes
nonviolence
economics
ethics
political strategy
Mood
concerned
determined
critical
Type
strategic
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- labor negotiations
- consumer activism
- policy advocacy
- human rights campaigns
Key Concepts
social justice
collective action
economic pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure economic pressure targets decision‑makers, not workers?
- What safeguards protect vulnerable groups during a boycott?
A Different Perspective
Boycotts can unintentionally damage the very communities they aim to protect.
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