Sociological Analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Sociological Analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Abstract
The paper analyses Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” from a sociological point of view and shows how three major theories (structural functionalism, social conflict, and symbolic interactionism) are treated in the letter. The paper shows different appreciation of King’s ideas and works by his contemporaries and modern people. It also explores the concepts of “nonviolent direct action” and “natural law” and determines their importance in the civil rights movement.
Keywords: Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, nonviolent direct action, natural law, civil rights movement
Sociological Analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is important from both historical and sociological points of view. It is an example of self-sacrifice for the idea of equality and brotherhood of all people. Formally, King addresses to eight pastors who oppose the protests. In fact, he applies to everyone who does not approve racism, but considers methods of nonviolent struggle to be too radical. From a sociological point of view, the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” shows the way of nonviolent adjustment of the social conflict and stages of this way: “collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action” (Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963). In the Western world, he was the first to show that the fight does not necessarily mean violence. Thus, it is possible to say that King’s method of nonviolent direct action was decisive in the civil rights movement.
Sociologically, the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” illuminates the idea of structural functionalism. It can be noticed that the structural system of society does not work harmoniously. People of African or mixed origin cannot attend the same schools,
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Abstract
The paper analyses Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” from a sociological point of view and shows how three major theories (structural functionalism, social conflict, and symbolic interactionism) are treated in the letter. The paper shows different appreciation of King’s ideas and works by his contemporaries and modern people. It also explores the concepts of “nonviolent direct action” and “natural law” and determines their importance in the civil rights movement.
Keywords: Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, nonviolent direct action, natural law, civil rights movement
Sociological Analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is important from both historical and sociological points of view. It is an example of self-sacrifice for the idea of equality and brotherhood of all people. Formally, King addresses to eight pastors who oppose the protests. In fact, he applies to everyone who does not approve racism, but considers methods of nonviolent struggle to be too radical. From a sociological point of view, the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” shows the way of nonviolent adjustment of the social conflict and stages of this way: “collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action” (Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963). In the Western world, he was the first to show that the fight does not necessarily mean violence. Thus, it is possible to say that King’s method of nonviolent direct action was decisive in the civil rights movement.
Sociologically, the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” illuminates the idea of structural functionalism. It can be noticed that the structural system of society does not work harmoniously. People of African or mixed origin cannot attend the same schools,
References: Edwards, C. (2008). Martin Luther King and natural law. The intersection of God and government. Truth and Consequences. Retrieved from http://www.summit.org/resources/truth-and-consequences/martin-luther-king-and-natural-law/ King, M. L., Jr. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. The Atlantic Monthly, 212 (2), 77-78. Retrieved from http://www.uscrossier.org/pullias/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/king.pdf Mott, W. T. (1975). The rhetoric of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Letter from Birmingham Jail. Phylon, 36(4), 411-421. Rychlak, R. J. (2011). Natural law from a Birmingham Jail. Inside Catholic. Retrieved from http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/facts/fm0145.htm