Social realism (1930s-1980s)

Social realism: literary movement definition

Social realism is a subgenre of realism that seeks to capture society in an accurate way. This genre focuses heavily on the lives of the working class, providing a critical commentary on the everyday issues encountered by this group of people.

Social realism as a literary movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the social and economic inequalities brought about by industrialization and urbanization. It sought to depict the reality of the working class and the poor, and to expose social injustices and systemic issues such as poverty, oppression, and exploitation.

In literature, social realism often features working-class characters and explores their struggles and experiences, using realistic and detailed descriptions to convey the harshness of their lives. It may also focus on social issues such as class conflict, racial and gender inequality, and the effects of industrialization and capitalism on society and individuals.

Fig. 1 - Social realist writers of the 1930s to 1980s sought to provide a voice for the marginalised and oppressed groups, and to raise awareness about the social, economic, and political issues that affect them.

Social realism: theory of the literary movement

The theory behind the social realism literary and art movements was that by producing work that accurately portrayed the 'real' world and its problems authors could encourage people to address these issues.

For instance, in response to the Great Depression in the United States of America, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set up a number of New Deal agencies intended to alleviate poverty. One such agency was the Farm Security Administration (1935-1934), which hired photographers to take photos of impoverished people. These photographs provided visual evidence that there was a need for Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal agencies.

Social realism in English literature movements

Elements of social realism can be found in English literature prior to the 1930s. An early example is the works of English writer and critic Charles Dickens (1812-1870) which depicted the struggles of the working class in Victorian England.

The social realism movement came to prominence during the 1930s in response to the Great Depression, World War One (1914-1918), and social inequality. The movement involved both literature and artwork that shifted away from the avant-garde and romanticism movements. Whilst the avant-garde and romantic movements portrayed the world in an idealised light, removed from the realities of greater society, social realism sought to accurately represent the 'masses'.

Social realism: literary movement characteristics

All literature part of the social realism genre provides a critical commentary on society, considering its failures. Social structures which promote and maintain inequality are highlighted by such works, particularly through stories centred on working-class life.

Key themes explored in social realism include;

• Social hierarchy.
• Class division.
• Gendered inequality.
• Racial discrimination.

Other notable characteristics which make up the style of social realism are:

• Believable plots and storylines.
• Realistic and relatable characters.
• The exploration and portrayal of human flaws.
• Actual or historical settings.

All these characteristics contribute to such novels presenting worlds and stories which are representative of actual life.

Social realism examples

Some examples of novels from the social realism literary movement include Waiting for Lefty, Of Mice and Men, Room at the Top, and The Outsiders.

Waiting for Lefty (1935)

Clifford Odets' play Waiting for Lefty follows a group of cab drivers gathering to plan a strike. The play consists of seven connected scenes.

In the first scene, the taxi drivers are meeting with union boss Harry Fatt, who is attempting to discourage them from striking. At this meeting, a few of the drivers ask where their elected chairman Lefty is. In the final scene, it is announced that Lefty has been found dead from a bullet wound. The play ends with the lines; 'STRIKE, STRIKE, STRIKE!!!'.

The play was based on a cab driver strike in New York the year prior (1934). Themes such as class division, workers' rights, and pay inequality are explored throughout the play, highlighting the struggles of the working class and the social injustices suffered by them.

Of Mice and Men (1937)

John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men portrays the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two ranch workers trying to find their way during the Great Depression.

The lives of various characters are explored throughout the novella, many of whom are excluded from society due to their differences. Curley's wife is dismissed for her gender, Crooks is outcasted due to his race, and Lennie is looked down on because of his mental disability.

A common theme explored within the novella is the American Dream. Many of the characters wish to escape from life on the ranch. George and Lennie dream of acquiring their own piece of land. While Curley's wife wishes to become a Hollywood star. However, by the novella's close, it becomes clear that the American Dream is only a dream, and the ranch workers remain trapped by their circumstances.

Room at the Top (1957)

John Braine's novel Room at the Top follows Joe Lampton, a young man from a working-class background who wants a better life. The novel is set in post-war Britain and highlights the difficulties faced by young people at this time.

As the novel progresses, Lampton obtains his dream future; however, this dream life isn't everything Lampton dreamed of.

The Outsiders (1967)

S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders presents a conflict between two gangs in Oklahoma, the 'greasers' and the 'Socs'. These two gangs are divided by their class and socio-economic status, with the 'greasers' coming from working-class backgrounds while the 'socs' come from an upper-class background.

The novel is set in the 1960s and is narrated by its protagonist Ponyboy Curtis, the youngest of three brothers. Education is an underlying theme of the novel, becoming apparent at its close as Ponyboy begins writing his English assignment on the events of the novel.

At the time of its publication, The Outsiders was considered highly controversial due to its unflinching portrayal of gang violence, underaged drinking and use of strong language.