How does the historical setting of Everything That Rises Must Converge affect the story's action?

The historical setting of the American South in the 1960s influences the story's action by highlighting the tension between the old racist attitudes and the changing social norms. This tension drives the interactions between characters and shapes their behavior, leading to moments of conflict and realization. O'Connor uses this setting to explore issues of race, class, and cultural change in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement.