Changing how an institution or system behaves is challenging because it is massive, has power, and can be resistant without repercussions. Many systems have existed for multiple generations resulting in entrenched policies and practices that can carry the legacies of past oppressive norms and values.
Individuals within systems can be passive (as opposed to actively resistant) falling back on policies, norms and practices that are codified and normalized. There is momentum and precedent for continuing to do things the “way we have always done them.” Workers within systems can simply perform their job duties and be reinforcing inequities. Creating equitable systems change requires resisting the mundane daily actions that keep the inequitable status quo in place.
Systems can also be strategically resistant utilizing existing policies as excuses for why change cannot take place. Bureaucracy can also be used to slow or halt systems change, creating endless requirements or processes that must be completed before change can proceed.
It’s important to remember that no one person can overcome historic systemic resistance. Changing systems requires consistent efforts over time on the part of many individuals across the system.
Reminders to reflect on:
- Resistance is less exhausting when done in community: who are our accomplices and co-conspirators? How can we work together with others?
- Our social location impacts the level of risk we take when we resist systemic inequities.
- For those of us who take a greater level of risk because we are in targeted identities:
- How can we be strategic about when we do and don’t resist?
- How do we remember that inequities are systemic and not take individual responsibility for systemic realities – e.g. we refuse to be scapegoated or tokenized?
- For those of us who are part of the dominant culture and therefore experience less risk when we resist:
- How can we leverage our privilege to challenge the status quo?
- How can we act as accomplices for those who are targeted by the system?
- For those of us who take a greater level of risk because we are in targeted identities:
- How can we recognize this is long-term work and give ourselves permission to reach for good enough? Can we focus on – what is our next wise action?
- What’s ours to be accountable for? What do we need to let go of?