This paper will introduce the Mexican American labour organizer Cesar Chavez to the reader. Since he was an important and inspiring person for the marginalized labour movement in the United States in the 1960s and 70s, his organization United Farm Workers Organization Committee (UFWOC), his achievements, beliefs and methods will be closely examined in this paper. His understanding of social change and shifting the power relations between workers and employers was closely linked with nonviolent action. Furthermore, the reasons for the non-violent actions will be analysed through the Ration Action Theory.
The paper consists of two parts: The first part will elaborate on the problems for foreigner field workers, how the organization and the social worker movement La Causa could be a solution to that and the meaning of Chavez persona and his methods. The second part of the paper follows the research question: Why is non-violence an adequate strategy to fight injustice on the farm fields?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Farm workers in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th Century
- The Worker Union
- The UFWOC and its achievements
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to introduce Cesar Chavez, a significant figure in the Mexican American labor movement, and analyze his strategies for social change within the context of the 1960s and 70s in the United States. The paper examines his methods, beliefs, and the impact of his organization, the United Farm Workers Organization Committee (UFWOC).
- The plight of farmworkers in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries.
- The formation and growth of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) and its merger into the UFWOC.
- Cesar Chavez's leadership style and his commitment to non-violent resistance.
- The role of education and community organizing in empowering farmworkers.
- The effectiveness of boycotts and strikes as tools for social change.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces Cesar Chavez as a key figure in the American labor movement, comparable to Martin Luther King Jr. It outlines the paper's objectives: to understand Chavez's methods, values, and goals, and to analyze the effectiveness of his non-violent approach using Rational Action Theory. The chapter establishes the historical context (1960s and 70s in the U.S.) and structures the paper into two parts: the first detailing the problems faced by farmworkers and the role of La Causa, and the second analyzing the strategic rationale behind Chavez's non-violent activism.
Farm workers in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th Century: This chapter details the harsh working and living conditions of farmworkers in the United States, focusing on the exploitation of Mexican immigrants. It highlights the cycle of poverty, discrimination, and dangerous working conditions, from the use of Chinese and Japanese workers to the bracero program, detailing the precarious existence and systematic injustices faced by these workers. The chapter also recounts Chavez's early life experiences, showing how his firsthand knowledge of these injustices fueled his activism.
The Worker Union: This section traces the development of Cesar Chavez's activism, highlighting the influence of Father Donald Mc Donnell and Fred Ross. It explains how Chavez's involvement with the Community Service Organization (CSO) shaped his organizing skills and his eventual departure to form his own union, the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), in 1962. The chapter emphasizes the slow, grassroots nature of building the union, focusing on personal relationships and the significance of "La Causa" as a unifying emblem and rallying cry. The importance of education and empowerment within the union's organizing strategy is also discussed.
The UFWOC and its achievements: This chapter discusses the merger of the NFWA with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) to form the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) in 1966. It describes the strategies used by Chavez and the UFWOC, including boycotts, strikes, and marches, to achieve better working conditions for farmworkers. The chapter details the success of the grape boycott and the significance of the Schenley Industries contract as a turning point. The chapter also highlights the national and international recognition the UFWOC gained, culminating in Chavez's recognition as a major figure in the American civil rights movement.
Keywords
labor movement, Cesar Chavez, nonviolent resistance, social change, farmworkers, boycotts, strikes, community organizing, La Causa, United Farm Workers (UFW), Rational Action Theory, Mexican American, civil rights.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers (UFW), analyzing his strategies for social change and the impact of the UFW on farmworkers' rights in the United States during the 1960s and 70s. It examines his leadership, methods (including non-violent resistance, boycotts, and strikes), and the historical context of the farmworkers' plight.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
Key themes include the harsh working conditions faced by farmworkers, particularly Mexican immigrants; the development and growth of the UFW; Cesar Chavez's leadership style and commitment to non-violent resistance; the role of community organizing and education; the effectiveness of boycotts and strikes as tools for social change; and the analysis of Chavez's strategies through the lens of Rational Action Theory.
What is the structure of this document?
The document is structured into sections including a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The chapter summaries detail the introduction, the historical context of farmworkers in the U.S., the development of Chavez's union (NFWA and later UFW), and finally the UFW's achievements and strategies.
Who was Cesar Chavez, and what was his significance?
Cesar Chavez was a key figure in the Mexican American labor movement, comparable to Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership of the UFW brought significant improvements to the lives of farmworkers, using non-violent resistance to achieve better working conditions and recognition for their rights.
What methods did Cesar Chavez and the UFW employ?
The UFW employed various strategies including boycotts (most notably the successful grape boycott), strikes, marches, and community organizing. Chavez emphasized non-violent resistance and the importance of education and empowerment within the farmworker community. His strategies are analyzed using Rational Action Theory to understand their effectiveness.
What were the main achievements of the United Farm Workers (UFW)?
The UFW's achievements included improved working conditions for farmworkers, increased wages, and recognition of their union. The successful grape boycott is highlighted as a turning point, demonstrating the power of non-violent direct action. The UFW’s success also brought Chavez national and international recognition as a leader in the American civil rights movement.
What is the historical context of the document?
The document focuses on the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, a period marked by the Civil Rights Movement and significant social and political change. It examines the farmworkers' struggles within this context, highlighting the historical exploitation of farmworkers, particularly Mexican immigrants, and the role of government programs like the Bracero Program.
What are some of the key terms associated with this topic?
Key terms include labor movement, nonviolent resistance, social change, farmworkers, boycotts, strikes, community organizing, La Causa, United Farm Workers (UFW), Rational Action Theory, Mexican American, and civil rights.
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- Sophia Khatri (Autor), 2020, Cesar Chavez. Leader, Organizer and Mexican American Hero in Labour History, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/996793
