Civil rights movement

Definition

The civil rights movement was a social and political struggle during the mid-20th century aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans in the United States. This movement brought significant changes in laws and public policies that promoted social justice and equality, impacting various aspects of American society including welfare programs, theories of justice, and the roles of policymakers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, inspired by earlier struggles against slavery and segregation.
2. Key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X played crucial roles in mobilizing support and advocating for change.
3. The movement utilized nonviolent protests, such as sit-ins and marches, to raise awareness about civil rights issues and to pressure lawmakers.
4. Significant legislative achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
5. The civil rights movement not only focused on legal equality but also addressed broader issues like economic inequality and educational access.

Review Questions

• How did the civil rights movement influence welfare programs like AFDC?
  • The civil rights movement highlighted the systemic inequalities faced by African Americans, including in access to welfare programs. Activists argued that programs like AFDC needed to be restructured to ensure fair treatment and adequate support for marginalized populations. This led to reforms aimed at addressing racial disparities in welfare assistance and expanding access for low-income families.
• Evaluate the impact of the civil rights movement on contemporary theories of social justice.
  • The civil rights movement significantly shaped contemporary theories of social justice by emphasizing the importance of equality and human rights. Its advocacy for systemic change has influenced modern discussions about equity in policy-making. As a result, theories now often incorporate intersectionality, recognizing that various forms of discrimination can overlap and affect individuals' experiences differently.
• Synthesize how civil rights activists influenced the role of social policy professionals in shaping future policies.
  • Civil rights activists played a pivotal role in redefining the responsibilities of social policy professionals by insisting on a commitment to equity and inclusivity in policy development. They pushed for comprehensive analyses of how policies affect marginalized groups, leading professionals to adopt more holistic approaches that account for historical injustices. This shift has encouraged ongoing advocacy for policies that promote social justice and address systemic inequalities.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, creating barriers to voting and public services for African Americans.

Voting Rights Act of 1965: A landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at prohibiting racial discrimination in voting, which was a significant victory for the civil rights movement.

Social Justice: The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities, often associated with movements advocating for marginalized groups.