Final answer:
Political art such as socialist realism was a method of realism that aimed to accurately portray life in a way that supported socialist ideology. Realism, more broadly, sought to objectively depict everyday life, often emphasizing the working class and their realities. Social realism similarly focused on real-life struggles, highlighting social and economic injustices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political art, with particular reference to socialist realism, was indeed a form of realism, though it was more a method than a style. Socialist realism was codified in the Soviet Union and had a central aim of depicting and encouraging the move towards socialism. Declared at the first Soviet Writers' Congress in 1934, it sought truthfulness in the portrayal of life from an ideological stance that supported the goals of socialism. It was seen as a progressive form of art that combined the accurate representation of life with socialist ideology.
Realism in the broader sense, beginning in France in the 19th century, aimed to represent everyday life objectively, often focusing on the hardships and the working class. Prominent figures like Gustave Courbet and Jean-Francois Millet were known for their focus on depicting life as it was, without romanticizing or idealizing the subjects. In contrast to classical idealism and romantic emotionalism, realism gave a voice to the common man and the realities of his existence.
Social realism was an artistic movement that depicted social, racial injustice, and economic hardship through stark, unembellished images. It closely related to realism and shared its commitment to the truthful representation of life, often portraying the gritty aspects of existence. Both movements sought to portray the world honestly, rejecting the stylized and heroic in favor of a more accurate and democratic vision of life.