Social commentary

Social commentary is the act of expressing an opinion on the nature of society. This is most often done with the idea of implementing or promoting change by informing the general populace about a given problem and appealing to people's sense of justice.

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Two excellent examples of strong and bitter social commentary are the writings of Jonathan Swift and Martin Luther. Swift exposed and decried the appalling poverty in Ireland at the time, which was viewed as the British government's fault. Martin Luther remained in history as the founder of the reformation movement against the deplorable practices of the Catholic Church.

Related Topics:
Jonathan Swift - Martin Luther - Ireland - Reformation - Catholic

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Writers who engage in social criticism are commonly well educated upper class members but might also come from the lower social strata like Charles Dickens.

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Note that social commentary is not necessarily connected with the idea of instigating change or edifying the public through literature. It could also be a part of an everyday conversation.

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