Final answer:
Marvin Gaye was the songwriter among the options given who utilized social themes in his music, particularly in his 1971 album 'What's Going On', addressing war, poverty, and civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the songwriters Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy Jr., David Ruffin, and Marvin Gaye, it was Marvin Gaye who employed strong social themes in his music. Marvin Gaye's album What's Going On, released in 1971, is notable for its profound reflection on the issues troubling society at the time, such as war, poverty, and civil rights. This exploration of social themes through his music cemented Gaye's reputation as an artist who wasn't afraid to tackle serious societal issues and has had a lasting influence on later generations.