Social Class Struggle in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022): A Marxist Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representation of social class struggle in the film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022). Directed by Anthony Fabian, the film portrays social inequality between the working class and the bourgeoisie within a capitalist framework. The research examines how class struggle is depicted through the lived experiences of the protagonist, Mrs. Ada Harris, a working-class housemaid from London, and how she confronts and negotiates class-based discrimination throughout her journey. This study employs a qualitative research method, with data collected in the form of selected scenes, dialogues, and visual elements that reflect social stratification and power relations. The analysis is grounded in Karl Marx’s theory of Marxism, particularly the concepts of class struggle, exploitation, alienation, ideological control, and the potential for social transformation. These theoretical perspectives are used to interpret how economic hierarchy shapes interpersonal interactions and institutional practices within the film. The findings indicate that Mrs. Harris encounters various forms of marginalization and prejudice as a member of the working class, especially within elite spaces such as the Dior fashion house. She faces condescension, exclusion, and structural barriers that reflect broader capitalist inequalities. However, rather than responding with submission, she demonstrates forms of resistance rooted in solidarity, empathy, perseverance, and moral integrity. Her interactions with other characters reveal the gradual emergence of mutual understanding and support across class boundaries. Ultimately, the film suggests that social change is possible through the development of class consciousness and collective support. By portraying Mrs. Harris’s determination and ethical strength, the narrative highlights the potential of the working class to challenge entrenched hierarchies and destabilize systems of inequality. Through a subtle yet powerful representation of class struggle, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris offers a critique of capitalist social structures while affirming the dignity and agency of marginalized individuals..