Dissecting Class Inequality

Spoiler Alert: The following article includes major spoilers for the movie Parasite (2019).

Dissecting class inequality

The opening scene unfolds in a cramped basement apartment, where we are introduced to the Kim family. They endure a constant battle against poverty while living in their small, dimly-lit apartment and get by on meager meals. This portrayal of a struggling family in Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is an accurate commentary on the invisible barriers that perpetuate socioeconomic inequality.

Dire circumstances force them to take on any opportunity that comes their way, including low-income jobs such as folding pizza boxes. They get a break when Kim Ki-woo gets hired as an English tutor for the affluent Park family’s daughter by posing as a student from the leading Yonsei University. This leads them to infiltrate the affluent Park family’s household one-by-one; Kim Ki-jung is hired as the art therapist for the traumatized Park family boy, then Mr. Kim as the driver and finally Mrs. Kim is hired as the housemaid.

We need to keep in mind that these roles were not open, but the people working in these roles were sabotaged by the Kim family methodically, and then recommendations for their own family members were given for the newly open roles. 

The Kims integrated themselves into the Parks’ lives through deceit and manipulation. Desperation can drive people to morally questionable actions, like triggering a severe allergy of the housemaid to convince the Park family that she has tuberculosis or falsely accusing the driver of immorality. This shows the dichotomy of the human mind, where necessity breeds cunning, and lets viewers question the fairness of a society that pushes people to such extremes.

Parasite highlights how deeply rooted class disparities can be. What we perceive, believe, and judge is often a reflection of the environment we live in and the experiences we endure. 

Everyone experiences some form of social inequality, whether it is economic, educational, or healthcare-related. These inequalities shape our perspectives and interactions, often leading to a cycle of discrimination and marginalization.

This goes beyond personal prejudices to institutional biases, where policies and systems favor certain groups over others. For instance, the education system often disadvantages children from low-income families, limiting their future opportunities. Similarly, access to healthcare is frequently influenced by socioeconomic status, perpetuating health disparities.

The portrayal of the Kim family’s cunning strategies to improve their condition shows the lengths to which people can go to escape poverty. This desperation is not a reflection of moral failure, it’s rather a response to an unfair system that leaves the marginalized with few options.

One important aspect of understanding social inequality is recognizing the structural barriers that enforce it. Economic mobility is often an illusion, as systemic factors like job discrimination, wage gaps, and lack of access to quality education prevent upward movement. The Kim family’s struggle to rise above their status is representative of these broader societal issues.

In current society, we believe that if we work hard enough, we’ll eventually get to the top. But unfortunately, that’s not how it works for everyone. We see examples of this in the movie where Mr. Park comments on Mr. Kim’s smell, saying that he smells like someone from the underground. And we also see Mrs. Park take away some notes from Ki-woo’s salary envelope, thinking that he doesn’t need as much money. This is an unresolved societal issue that reflects the attitude of the rich towards the downtrodden.

Another critical factor is the cultural capital possessed by different social classes. Cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, such as education, intellect, style of speech, and even physical appearance. The Parks’ mastery of cultural capital stands in contrast to the Kims’ lack of it, further highlighting the differences between the two families.

Moreover, the movie demonstrates how physical spaces themselves can mirror social divisions, using architectural elements to highlight the theme of class disparity. Staircases are utilized to symbolize the Kim family’s aspiration to climb up the social ladder.

One of the most painful scenes in the movie is when the Kim family, having temporarily enjoyed the luxuries of the Park family's home, descends a long flight of stairs back to their own flooded basement apartment. This descent visually reinforces their fall from a brief illusion of riches back into the harsh reality of their social and economic status. The heavy rainfall and subsequent flood further assert their vulnerability.

The film also explores the psychological impacts of poverty and wealth. For the Parks, their wealth cushions them from the difficulties faced by the Kims, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding. This insulation creates a bubble of ignorance, where the affluent are unaware of the struggles faced by the less fortunate.

On the other hand, the Kims are aware of their disadvantaged position, which harbors feelings of resentment and desperation. This psychological burden is a significant aspect of social inequality, as it affects mental health and overall well-being.

Parasite serves as an impeccable commentary on bitter social inequality. To truly address social inequality, it is essential to recognize and dismantle the structural and cultural barriers that sustain it. Only by fostering a more equitable society can we hope to close the gap between the upper echelons and the marginalized.

Understanding and empathy are vital steps toward achieving this goal, as we strive to see the world through the eyes of those who live in the shadows of prosperity.

~ Inspired by the movie Parasite (2019)