Overview

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a play set in 1950s Chicago, following the struggles of the Younger family, an African American household living in poverty. The play explores themes of race, class, gender, and the pursuit of the American Dream, highlighting the social and cultural barriers faced by Black families in a racially segregated society.

The cultural context of the play is shaped by racial discrimination, economic hardship, gender expectations, and family values. It portrays a world where opportunities are limited for African Americans, but also where hope, resilience, and ambition drive individuals to seek a better life.

Understanding Cultural Context

The Cultural Context of a text refers to the values, beliefs, and social structures that shape the world of the story. This includes factors like race, gender roles, social class, family expectations, and historical influences.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry presents a society defined by inequality, where Black families face systemic barriers, yet also hold onto dreams of a better future.

Racial Discrimination and Segregation

The play is set in a time when racial segregation was still legal in many parts of America, and African Americans were denied the same rights and opportunities as white citizens. The Younger family experiences direct racism when they try to move into a predominantly white neighbourhood.

When Mr. Lindner, a representative from the new neighbourhood, offers the Youngers money not to move in, it is a clear attempt to keep Black families out of white communities. “Our community… feels that people get along better… when they share a common background.” This highlights the systemic racism that prevents Black families from improving their social status.

Despite this, Lena (Mama) Younger insists on moving because she refuses to let racism dictate their lives. The cultural expectation at the time was for African Americans to accept segregation, but the Youngers challenge this by asserting their right to live wherever they choose.

Economic Hardship and the Struggle for Financial Security

The Youngers live in poverty, with multiple generations crowded into a small apartment. Money is a constant source of tension, and each character has a different view on how to achieve a better life.

Walter, the eldest son, believes that financial success is the only way to gain respect. He invests in a liquor store in hopes of achieving wealth, but this dream is shattered when he is scammed. “Money is life.” His belief reflects the cultural pressure on men to be financial providers, but also how difficult it was for Black men to achieve economic success in a racist and classist society.

Lena (Mama) holds onto more traditional values, believing that dignity, family, and moral integrity are more important than wealth. Her decision to buy a house reflects her belief that owning property is the key to generational stability. This reflects the cultural importance of homeownership as a symbol of success in America.

Gender Roles and Expectations

The play explores the limited roles of women in the 1950s and how cultural expectations shaped their opportunities.

Beneatha, Walter’s sister, is ambitious and independent, wanting to become a doctor—a profession dominated by men. This is seen as unusual, and Walter dismisses her dreams, saying, “Go be a nurse like other women.” This reflects the gender norms of the time, where women were expected to take on traditional, supportive roles rather than pursue careers.

Beneatha also rejects traditional ideas of marriage, refusing to settle for a wealthy but shallow man, instead seeking a partner who values her dreams. Her character challenges cultural expectations of women in both race and gender, representing the changing role of women in society.

Mama and Ruth (Walter’s wife), however, embody the traditional role of women, focusing on family, sacrifice, and survival. The contrast between these characters reflects the cultural divide between old and new generations of women.

Family and the Importance of Dreams

Despite their struggles, the Younger family remains united in their desire for a better life. The idea of dreams and aspirations is central to the play, reflecting the wider cultural expectation that success is possible through hard work (the American Dream).

Each family member has a different vision of success:

  • Walter wants financial success to gain respect.
  • Beneatha seeks education and independence to create a better future.
  • Mama sees homeownership as the ultimate symbol of stability.

The play questions whether the American Dream is truly accessible to Black families, as they face racism and financial hardship that make success more difficult to achieve. However, their determination to move forward despite obstacles reflects a hopeful cultural vision of resilience and progress.

The Influence of African Heritage

The play also explores African identity and how Black Americans connected with their heritage. Beneatha is drawn to African culture and traditions, influenced by Asagai, a Nigerian student. She questions the assimilation of Black Americans into white society, considering whether she should return to Africa to escape racism in America.

This theme reflects the cultural movement of the time, where many African Americans began to embrace their African roots and challenge Western ideals.

Beneatha’s exploration of her identity contrasts with Walter’s focus on financial success within an American system, highlighting the different cultural responses to oppression.

Comparative Insights

The cultural context of A Raisin in the Sun can be compared to other texts that explore race, class struggles, gender roles, and family expectations.

  • Racial Discrimination: The play examines how systemic racism limits opportunities, a theme common in texts about social inequality.
  • Economic Struggles: The Youngers’ financial hardship reflects the cultural reality of class divisions and limited opportunities for Black families.
  • The Role of Women: The contrast between traditional and modern female roles makes the play relevant in discussions of gender equality.
  • The Power of Dreams: The play’s exploration of aspiration and resilience can be compared to other texts about hope and the pursuit of a better life.

Conclusion

The cultural context of A Raisin in the Sun is shaped by racism, economic hardship, gender expectations, and the struggle for equality. Lorraine Hansberry presents a realistic but hopeful vision of a world where Black families face systemic barriers, yet continue to fight for a better future.

The play’s examination of social injustice and resilience makes it a powerful text for the comparative study, offering rich discussions on race, class, gender, and family values.

This study guide provides a clear and accessible analysis for Leaving Certificate Higher Level English students. Let me know if you need further clarifications or additional comparisons