The Pursuit of Happyness

A Reflection on Social Class, Inequality, and Social Mobility

The Pursuit of Happyness is more than a story of perseverance; it’s a reflection of how
social class, inequality, and social mobility shape lives in American society. The film
follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who faces homelessness while striving
for a better future for himself and his son. Through its narrative, the movie brings to
light the challenges of poverty, systemic inequality, and the resilience it takes to climb
the social ladder. Using theories like Marxism, Weberian concepts, and
intersectionality, this essay explores how the film portrays these pressing sociological
issues.

Social Class and Inequality

Chris Gardner’s journey begins with him barely scraping by, selling medical devices
that fail to provide financial stability. His eviction and eventual homelessness highlight
the harsh realities of poverty in a capitalist system. Karl Marx’s theory of class conflict
helps us understand Chris’s position in the working class, or proletariat, where his
labor is undervalued, and he lacks control over resources that could improve his
circumstances.

The concept of alienation, also from Marx, is visible in Chris’s life. He works tirelessly,
yet his efforts don’t bring fulfillment or security. The repetitive nature of selling a
product with little demand disconnects him from his labor and its outcomes. This
alienation mirrors the struggles of many in lower-income brackets, where hard work
doesn’t always translate to progress. The film portrays this not as a failure of the
individual but as a systemic flaw in a society that prioritizes profits over people.

Social Mobility and the American Dream

At its core, the film is about pursuing the American Dream—the idea that anyone can
achieve success through hard work. Chris’s story embodies this ideal, but it also
reveals how difficult it is to move upward in a system stacked against the poor. Max
Weber’s concept of life chances is particularly relevant here. Life chances refer to the
opportunities people have to improve their quality of life based on their social status.

Chris’s limited life chances are apparent in his lack of financial stability and social
capital. The unpaid internship at a stock brokerage firm is a turning point, but it also
highlights the barriers low-income individuals face. Without savings or support, most
people couldn’t afford to work for free, making opportunities like this inaccessible to
many. Weber’s idea that success relies on a mix of hard work, status, and power
shows how systemic factors influence Chris’s journey just as much as his
determination.

Institutional Failures

The film critiques institutions like the housing market, education system, and labor
market, which often fail to support those in need. Functionalists like Emile Durkheim
argue that institutions exist to maintain order and stability, but in Chris’s case, these
systems seem designed to exclude him. For instance, the lack of affordable housing
forces Chris and his son to sleep in shelters and even a subway restroom.

From a conflict theory perspective, these failures are not accidental but serve to
maintain the dominance of the wealthy. The rigid labor market, where unpaid
internships and low-wage jobs dominate, ensures that upward mobility remains a
privilege rather than a possibility for everyone. The film illustrates how systemic
inequality is embedded in these institutions, making it nearly impossible for people like
Chris to break free from poverty.

Race, Class, and Intersectionality

Chris’s story also highlights the intersection of race and class. As a Black man, he
faces additional challenges rooted in systemic racism. Intersectionality, a concept
introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, explains how overlapping social identities—like
race and class—create unique experiences of oppression. Chris’s race, combined with
his socioeconomic status, places him at a double disadvantage.

This is evident in his interactions with wealthier, predominantly white individuals at the
brokerage firm. While his perseverance eventually earns him respect, the implicit
biases he encounters reflect the broader societal challenges faced by marginalized
groups. The film subtly acknowledges these dynamics while focusing on Chris’s
individual journey, leaving viewers to consider how much harder his path was due to
these intersecting identities.

Resilience and Agency

Despite the overwhelming odds, Chris’s resilience is the heart of the film. His
determination to provide a better life for his son drives him to navigate homelessness,
financial instability, and the challenges of single parenthood. This resilience reflects
the symbolic interactionist perspective, which emphasizes individual actions and
choices.

Chris’s decision to pursue the unpaid internship, despite the strain it imposes, shows
his belief in personal agency. His optimism and unwavering focus on his goals
highlight the importance of self-determination in shaping life outcomes. However, the
film also suggests that resilience alone isn’t enough. Without the opportunity provided
by the internship, his hard work might never have paid off, emphasizing the need for
systemic change alongside individual effort.

Conclusion

The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful exploration of social class, inequality, and

While the film champions the idea that hard work leads to success, it also critiques the
societal structures that make this path so difficult for many. Chris’s story inspires hope,
but it also serves as a reminder that systemic change is necessary to create a more
equitable society. Achieving the American Dream shouldn’t require overcoming
insurmountable odds; it should be a reality accessible to all.