The significance of nonviolent resistance in social movements lies in its ability to enact change without resorting to violence, thus fostering broader support and legitimacy. Historical figures such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify how peaceful protests can challenge oppressive systems. This method promotes dialogue, raises awareness, and attracts media attention, making it a powerful tool for social change. Nonviolent resistance can unite diverse groups around common goals, ultimately leading to systemic reforms while minimizing societal divisions.