How does Miss Maudie define progress in overcoming segregation and discrimination in Maycomb? What do you think of her conclusion? How can we measure progress toward bringing about a more just society?

Miss Maudie's perception of the "baby-steps" through the act of Atticus' defense of Tom in the case is an act of progress, on the way.

Her conclusion of this new progress is a good approach in the society especially in Mycomb where the blacks were discriminated against, just like Tom is.

Progress in bringing a more just society can be seen or measured when people like Miss Maudie begin to realize the changes, though slow, are being found in society and they welcome it. Their very act of welcoming the change is a first step in progress being made in any society.

Explanation:

Miss Maudie defines progress as something that is not entirely won in one day. She considers that the case of Tom Robinson being convicted of ra ping Mayella Ewell has brought to the fore the issues that are prevailing in Maycomb. And with Atticus defrnding Tom and delaying the jury, meaning Tom's conviction is taking longer than expected is a sure sign of improvement in the society. She exclaims in Chapter 22 that "Atticus Finch won't win, he can't win, but he's the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that. And I thought to myself, well, we're making a step-it's just a baby-step, but it's a step." Though she believes that Atticus will lose, he is still winning in another sense, that is, changing the way people judge and see the blacks.

Her conclusion about this "baby-step" progress is a nice and impressive approach for someone in a society like Maycomb. She has a good way of approaching life, seeing things and accepting, welcoming and being open about the changes.

Progress can be measured by the way the perspectives and perceptions of people in the society are handled and taken. Atticus' decision in defending Tom in the case shows that he knows the truth and would do anything to try to make people see the truth and prove it. He also knows it will be hard to win the case, what with the common folks' perspectives about black people like Tom, but he also believes that one aught to stand for what he believes, and that is the truth. And in doing so, he has brought a small change, which will be bound to enlarge and become more and more visible.