Social Realism: Art as a Weapon edited by David Shapiro

Social Realism as an artistic style can be seen as the way the nation in search of its own cultural identity.

Social Realism grew out from the traditions of American art, whose art has been didactic and narrative in nature.

Social Realism emerged out during the late 20s, and it burgeoned in the 30s, fueled by the Great Depression that artists began to pioritize their social role than their pure artistic explorations.

Social Realism was also fostered along with the writings and theories of Socialsim which were increasingly popular during the time.

Subject matters are largely concerned with plights of ordinary people, expolitations of workers, injustice in the society, police brutality against powerless people.