Boycott is a legal term used to describe a form of civil protest or economic retaliation in which a company, group, or individuals refuse to purchase or use a particular item, service, or brand. Boycotts are typically used to demonstrate disapproval of or opposition to a specific policy, decision, or organization.
Examples of Boycotts
Notable examples of boycotts include the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 in which African-American individuals refused to ride the public buses to protest segregation laws, and the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign launched in 2005 to protest Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Why People Boycott
People may choose to boycott an item, organization, or company due to moral, ethical, or political principles. It is often used as a form of protest to express support for a particular cause or group. For example, companies may pursue boycotts of countries and territories with whom they disagree over foreign policy.
The Impact of Boycotts
Boycotts can be extremely effective in influencing the behavior of companies, governments, and other organizations. Boycotts can be used to encourage change in policies or production methods. Often companies will modify their practices or products to avoid the potential loss of revenue or public support that could result from a successful boycott.