The field of sociology has been motivated by a commitment to generating knowledge and comprehending human interactions and behaviours. Additionally, some scholars perceive sociology as a means to analyze society and enact positive changes. In addition to its contribution to desegregation, sociology has been instrumental in driving significant social reforms, including the promotion of gender equality in the professional sphere and the advancement of equitable treatment for individuals belonging to marginalized racial groups (OpenStax, 2015, p. 19). Consequently, I have chosen to analyze a film titled “The Help” as it pertains to these themes. The cinematic adaptation under discussion is derived from a literary work by Kathryn Stockett and lasts approximately two hours and twenty-five minutes. The movie was selected based on its comprehensive examination of sociological concepts about the behaviours and interactions between two distinct social classes. The setting of this adaptation is Jackson, Mississippi, and it sheds light on the racial and gender issues prevalent during the 1960s. This narrative highlights the experiences of African American domestic workers, shedding light on the hardships they endured. Additionally, it underscores the advantages of collaboration and unity, exemplifying collective efforts to challenge societal disparities.
On a broader scale, it can be observed that nearly every Caucasian female character depicted in the film engages in social behaviours that perpetuate the institutionalized segregation between African Americans and Caucasians during the era of Jim Crow legislation. The film depicts the notion that racism is not an innate characteristic of human beings but rather a learned behaviour perpetuated across generations through education. The primary focus of my attention was directed towards the behaviour and interactions exhibited by the three central characters, namely Aibileen Clark, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, and Hilly Holbrook. The social interaction and dynamic between Aibileen, a 53-year-old African American domestic worker, and Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a 22-year-old privileged daughter of a cotton plantation owner, can be seen as violating the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation. Despite the legal restrictions, they engage in covert meetings at Aibileen’s residence during the evenings to collaborate on writing a book while the town grapples with escalating racial tensions. The encounter with Aibileen and the other domestic workers, coupled with their narratives, prompts Skeeter to grasp the level of consciousness she possesses regarding her position within the racially segregated society. This revelation both startles her and catalyzes her undertaking of the writing endeavour. Skeeter experiences a sense of isolation from the community of southern women, including her childhood friend Hilly Holbrook, with whom she was raised. The characters of Aibileen and Skeeter demonstrate a remarkable ability to overcome challenges and achieve success, albeit through a gradual and arduous journey.
Hilly Holbrook, a person of affluent social standing, concurrently holds the position of president within the Junior League club. The character in question exhibits a solid commitment to upholding the practice of segregation and imposes penalties on individuals who express dissenting viewpoints. Hilly endeavours to exert influence over the Caucasian women comprising her social network while maintaining a firm grip on authority through coercion and intimidation tactics. Hilly symbolizes a traditional societal structure that is fated to be dismantled as the Civil Rights Movement gains momentum in the southern region. Despite this progressive tide, Hilly fervently endeavours to uphold the racial segregation and social hierarchy between African Americans and Caucasians. Hilly and Skeeter, who were once close childhood friends, now hold contrasting perspectives on race and the trajectory of integration. This divergence in their viewpoints has significantly altered the dynamics of their relationship, impacting not only their interactions with other women in their Junior League but also their demeanour and non-verbal communication towards each other. While viewing this film with the assignment mentioned above in contemplation, my attention was drawn towards the examination of human behaviours exhibited by individuals belonging to both social classes. Upon observing Aibileen’s profound trepidation in documenting her experiences with the individuals she served, driven by the genuine fear of facing fatal consequences, I am compelled to reflect upon the lamentable reality that individuals who defy societal norms are often met with punitive measures. Sociologists examine social phenomena, encompassing events, interactions, and patterns, to formulate theoretical frameworks that elucidate the underlying mechanisms and rationales governing their functioning. (OpenStax, 2015, page 14) Within the context of this film, the theory, as mentioned above, serves as a means to elucidate various facets of social interactions among the primary protagonists.
Individuals endorse specific behaviours by providing consent, endorsement, or authorization or by implementing official disapproval and lack of support measures. Sanctions serve as a mechanism of social control, promoting adherence to established cultural norms. Specific individuals may adhere to societal norms due to their anticipation or expectation of receiving favourable consequences or rewards. Cultural norms facilitate society’s functioning and provide a framework of cultural values that inform individuals’ decision-making processes. Culture is a social construct that arises from the collective efforts of individuals within a society to fulfil their fundamental requirements. (OpenStax, 2015, page 57) This assertion is deemed valid and applies to the social dynamics depicted in “The Help.” Notably, even during the 1960s, societal conventions were distinctly segregated along racial lines. Both Aibileen and Skeeter, as portrayed characters, collaborated to challenge and rectify the perceived injustices inherent in these norms and within their broader society.
In summary, social behaviours encompass interpersonal exchanges among individuals that exhibit a capacity for collaborative efforts to enhance desired outcomes and challenge social inequities. “The Help” exemplifies the collective efforts of these women to surmount the prevailing social injustices of their era and endeavour to eradicate the prejudices exhibited by individuals of both white and black races. Watching films such as “The Help” allowed me to observe the manifestation of social justice concerns and evaluate the extent of progress achieved in addressing these matters. Moreover, these cinematic works prompt viewers to contemplate their engagement with social and moral prejudices.
Reference
Openstax. (2015). Introduction to Sociology, 2e (2nd ed.) OpenStax. Retrieved from: http://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-sociolog
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