Introduction
The world has a long history of social movements that brought either change or disappointment. The civil rights movement in the United States in the mid-20th century was seminal. It was a turning point in history characterized by the collective struggle of African Americans and their allies to eliminate systemic racial segregation and discrimination.
The importance of studying the civil rights movement from a sociological perspective lies in its transformative impact on American society. It is also essential for the actual struggle for equality and justice that is still going on. It is worth delving into the details of this struggle by finding out why its study is essential for researchers and summarizing the sociological views on this period of history.
History of Origin
The civil rights movement first appeared after World War II, gaining momentum in the 1950s. It peaked in the 1960s and is characterized by nonviolent protests, court battles, and mass activism. All of this was aimed at eliminating racial segregation and achieving civil rights and equal opportunities for African Americans.
Like any movement, it arose in four stages: emergence, coalescence, bureaucratization, and decline (Excel High School, 2022). After this struggle emerged, it gradually became a more organized and coordinated force and became a nationwide struggle. The civil rights movement became a more formalized and institutionalized force during the bureaucratization phase. A shift in attention and energy characterized the fourth stage, and the unity faded.
Several main events can characterize the social movement for civil rights in the USA. Key milestones include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (History.com Editors, 2023). These acts were devoted to civil disobedience, protests, legal challenges, and public activism. Notable leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and many others played crucial roles in advancing the cause of racial equality (History.com Editors, 2023). The movement under study is large-scale and has brought many social changes to American society.
Importance for Sociologists
Studying the Civil Rights Movement is paramount for sociologists for several reasons. This movement is a vivid example of collective action and activism. It offers a unique lens through which to examine the dynamics of social change. Sociologists find this a wide field of research because they are interested in understanding how society is transformed. The US civil rights movement illustrates the mighty power of collective action, the role of charismatic leaders, and the impact of strategic planning in effecting change.
According to Scott (1966), “… the civil rights movement is not spontaneous, but instead is an outgrowth of the seeds of revolt sown years ago in the form of aspirations for power, prestige, and participation in the mainstream of society” (p. 134). This statement confirms that the movement under study highlights the deeply rooted systems of oppression and discrimination that existed in American society.
Sociological research helps analyze the structural inequality, institutional racism, and prejudice faced by African Americans. For many years, they were subjected to racial discrimination, and the study of its causes contributes to a broader understanding of social justice (Scott, 1966). Ultimately, it is worth remembering that the movement is a source of inspiration and guidance for modern struggles for justice. Through their research, sociologists can conclude the past to solve contemporary problems related to racial inequality, police brutality, and discrimination.
Sociological Perspective: Conflict Theory
Conflict theory is a prominent sociological perspective that can be applied to the civil rights movement. According to Excel High School (2022), conflict theory examines society through competition among its members for scarce resources. Analyzing the civil rights movement through this lens, sociologists see a struggle for power and resources between the dominant white majority and the marginalized African American minority. The black community challenged existing power structures, demanding equal rights and a fair share of social, economic, and political resources. This conflict over resources was evident in various aspects of the movement.
Conflict theory helps sociologists understand the role of power and resistance in a movement. For example, Martin Luther King used the strategy of nonviolent resistance to challenge the authorities. This approach aimed to disrupt existing power dynamics by appealing to the nation’s moral consciousness. According to Excel High School (2022), in addition to economic inequality, there is always the problem of political power and social structure. This causes significant conflict, which later unfolds in social movements for equality.
Conclusion
Sociologists must study the civil rights movement in the United States because it is a pivotal moment in American history. This struggle has deep sociological significance, highlighting the complexity of systemic racism and the role of government in shaping society. From the conflict theory perspective, there are different elements of the struggle for equality in economic, political, and social resources between African Americans and white people. The civil rights movement remains an inspiration and reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve a more just and equitable society.
References
Excel High School. (2022). Sociology. Web.
History.com Editors. (2023). Civil Rights Movement Timeline. History. Web.
Scott, J. W. (1966). Social class factors underlying the Civil Rights movement. Phylon (1960-), 27(2), 132. Web.