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Michael HarringtonAmerican democratic socialist, activist, political theorist, publicist, professor
Date of Birth: 24.02.1928
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Religious Background
- Political Activism
- The Democratic Left
- Professor and Public Intellectual
- Legacy
Michael Harrington: A Democratic Socialist and Social Justice Advocate
Michael Harrington was an American political theorist, activist, and Democratic Socialist.
Early Life and Education
Harrington was born on February 24, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, into an Irish-American family. He earned a Master's degree in English literature from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Yale Law School.
Religious Background
In his youth, Harrington was influenced by both left-wing politics and Catholicism. He joined Dorothy Day's Catholic Worker Movement, which emphasized social justice and nonviolence. However, he eventually became an atheist while retaining an affinity for Catholic culture.
Political Activism
After leaving the Catholic Worker, Harrington joined the Independent Socialist League (ISL), a small Trotskyist organization. He rejected authoritarian communism and advocated for a democratic socialist society. He became a target of the FBI and was placed on Nixon's list of political opponents.
The Democratic Left
In 1962, Harrington published his groundbreaking work, "The Other America: Poverty in the United States." This influential book brought national attention to the issue of poverty. He also founded the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee, which later merged with the New American Movement to form the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Professor and Public Intellectual
In 1972, Harrington became a professor of political science at Queens College. He wrote extensively on socialism, social justice, and American politics. Harrington coined the term "neoconservatism" and served as a commentator for National Public Radio.
Legacy
Harrington died from cancer in 1989. His legacy lives on through his writings and the work of the DSA, which continues to advocate for a more just and equitable society. The City University of New York established the Michael Harrington Center for Democratic Values and Social Change at Queens College in his honor.
