The 1960s were a turbulent period in American history, with traditional social and religious ideals being challenged by civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X, as well as other figures. Civil rights leaders began challenging segregation, which caused strong, hateful reactions from those who supported it, especially in the South. This is shown with Nan’s father lamenting the venomous shift in personalities of those in their Mississippi town following the growth of the civil rights movement. He tells her in a letter, “People we know are saying such terrible things, Nan, doing such inconceivable wrong. You wouldn’t recognize them” (134). This reflects how a reactionary white populace turned to horrible violence when their prejudices were challenged during the 1950s and 1960s.

James and Lily both start to support causes like racial integration, protest the Vietnam War, and call for social change. Like many real-world supporters of social progress in the 1960s, James risks his job and reputation at the church with his open stances on civil rights and the Vietnam War. The 1960s also saw the rise of second-wave feminism, including the fight for reproductive rights, such as access to birth control for married and unmarried women and abortion.