Conflict Theory In The Movie 42

The movie 42 is based on the true story of Jackie Robinson, known as the first black man to play in Major League Baseball. Robinson was a baseball player who played for the Kansas City Monarchs, a Negro League team, and was signed by Branch Rickey, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Through his journey to the Major Leagues, starting with the…on his way up to the majors, Robinson was faced with many hardships in his career as whites time and time again disrespected him and repeatedly told him he did not belong in the “all-white” Major Leagues. Robinson was expected by Mr. Rickey to not fight back no matter what. With his work ethic and the determination to keep his composure no matter what, Jackie Robinson earned the respect of all white players and fans and proved

In real life, Jackie Robinson was eventually inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and his jersey number 42 was retired by Major League Baseball in honor of Jackie.

Section 1 Conflict Theory is the most obvious theory that is portrayed in the movie. Conflict Theory, as defined during lectures about Chapter 1, is a theory that groups compete for resources, power, and authority. Karl Marx is considered the founding father of the Conflict Theory. Marx lived through the Industrial Revolution in Europe and analyzed society as he saw it and history. (Henslin, pgs. 17-18) Based on this theory, Marx developed class conflict, with one group being the authority, known as bourgeoisies and the other in a lower class, known as proletariats. (Henslin, pg. 18) Also discussed during class lecture, conflict theory can lead to positive change. Relating to both the movie and real life, Jackie Robinson was the first black player to play in the Major Leagues. At first, Jackie was repeatedly booed by whites and wanted him gone and back to the Negro Leagues. However, as the movie went on and Jackie’s work ethic and the ability of not lose his temper, he earned the respect of his teammates