Marxian Sociology On Class Inequality In The Movie ‘Parasite’

Abstract

The 2019 South Korean film Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a powerful cinematic exploration of class inequality and social stratification. This paper analyzes Parasite through the lens of Marxian sociology, focusing on Karl Marx’s concepts of class conflict, alienation, surplus value, and the bourgeois-proletariat divide. The film metaphorically represents the class struggle between the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kim family, showcasing how capitalism sustains and normalizes systemic inequality. The vertical hierarchy of living spaces, the symbolic use of architecture and space, and the characters’ socioeconomic roles highlight the structural disparities and the illusion of social mobility. This research critically examines how the film portrays capitalist exploitation and false consciousness, emphasizing the perpetuation of class domination and the illusion of meritocracy. The study concludes that Parasite serves not merely as a social commentary but as a vivid Marxist critique of modern capitalist societies, where economic structures dictate life chances, relationships, and identities.

Keywords: Marxian Sociology, Class Inequality, Capitalism, Bourgeoisie and Proletariat, False Consciousness, Class Conflict, Alienation, Parasite Movie Analysis