 |
| The Non-Violent Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. in the 21st Century: Implications for the Pursuit of Social Justice in a Global Context |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Non-Violent Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. in the 21st Century: Implications for the Pursuit of Social Justice in a Global Context |
| Article Credit | Journal of Global Citizenship & Equity Education, Vol.: 3, Issue: 1, Year: 2013, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | NANA YAW |
| Subject | This essay examines the non-violent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. and its potential application to the pursuit of social justice in social work and global activism, drawing on interviews with key informants. |
| Category | Academic Essay |
| Institution | Memorial University |
| Country of Publication | Canada |
| Main Topics | Non-violent philosophy, Social justice, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Social work practice, Global activism, Satyagraha and Ahimsa |
| Number of Pages | 22 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 430.5 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This essay by Paul Banahene Adjei explores the non-violent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. and its relevance for pursuing social justice in the 21st century, particularly within the field of social work. Adjei argues that a revolutionized reframing of their ideas is necessary to counter common misrepresentations that portray them as passive or 'soft' activists. Drawing on interviews with six key informants from his doctoral research in Toronto, the essay identifies two central themes: non-violence as a call to action for social justice, and non-violence as a means of humanizing opponents. The author contends that Gandhi and King's philosophy, when properly understood, offers a powerful strategy for social workers to address systemic injustices without resorting to violence. The essay also engages with critiques from figures like Malcolm X and Frantz Fanon, acknowledging the limitations of non-violence while advocating for its ethical and practical value. Ultimately, Adjei positions non-violent philosophy as a vital tool for social workers to reclaim their commitment to social justice and to challenge oppression in a global context.
Core Themes
- Non-violence as action-oriented
- Social justice in social work
- Revolutionized reframing of Gandhi and King
- Humanizing opponents
- Love and compassion in activism
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
Complete Gandhi Research Collection
Download the entire collection of Gandhi research PDFs available on HISTORY MARG