Question

What is a hidden transcript?

Answer 1

The term ‘hidden transcipt’ was proposed by James Scott as a strategy adopted by oppressed groups against the dominating groups. The open interaction between the dominating groups as subjugation and the oppressed group as acquiesants is referred to as the ‘public transcript’. However, there is a lot of dynamics that occur under the surface. On a public scale, the oppressed group may accept their subjugation; however their internal perception of their status may actually reflect a strong opposition to the dominating group. This critique of power that can otherwise go unnoticed is referred to as ‘hidden transcript’.