Classism is still a plot device

In the captivating world of teen dramas and stories revolving around one or more couples, love seems to conquer all. However, there is a less visible reality that continues to deeply influence the plots and characters: classism. Have you ever noticed? Despite social and cultural progress over the past few decades, many of the romantic narratives we enjoy are still steeped in class dynamics that reflect and reinforce the inequalities present in our society. The love stories we see on screen often unfold against the backdrop of economic and social differences that not only impact the protagonists' destinies but also shape the audience's perception of what it really means to "find love." How exactly does classism manifest in these productions, and why does it continue to play such a central role?

From Jane Austen to Dating Apps

Class differences are presented as a major obstacle for lovers to overcome in many 19th-century novels, such as Pride and Prejudice. The novel has always stood out for its depiction of social classes and the hierarchies at play in the society of its time. Upper-class individuals rarely concerned themselves with events outside their social circle and remained relatively isolated, focusing instead on their roles and engagements. It might reasonably seem anachronistic to discuss this in connection with relationships in 2024. But is that really the case? Evidence suggests otherwise. A study published in 2017 by a team of Australian researchers shows that most people tend to choose partners who are similar to them, a pattern known as "assortative mating," which is having a significant impact on the evolution of the human genome. In short, people tend to choose and marry those very similar to themselves – similar levels of education, physical attractiveness, height, weight, etc. So, if a wealthy person marries another wealthy person, it’s no coincidence. This is also evident from the emergence of new dating apps based precisely on this idea. There's Toffee, for example, a paid app designed for alumni of private schools, and Inner Circle, for career-oriented young professionals, whose tagline is "we're the only app that curates the crowd so you meet like-minded singles."

Classism on TV: Normal People

Some of the TV series we have passionately followed from our teenage years to the present have been driven by class distinctions, and we found it romantic: the love story where the wealthier person falls for the less affluent one has been portrayed in countless variations, yet it hasn’t tired directors and producers. Take Marianne and Connell in Normal People. The disparity between them is explicitly addressed only once throughout the series. When Marianne finds her place, navigating perfectly within an educated environment where conversations revolve around philosophy and literature, Connell, who was one of the most popular boys in high school, struggles because education and family background come into play, beyond just charisma and good looks.

2000s TV Series: Gossip Girl

The same goes for one of the iconic TV series of the 2000s, Gossip Girl, where classism is even more embedded in the plot, to the point that without it, some of its love stories might never have continued. Being a TV show, there is obviously a degree of exaggeration for the sake of entertainment, but the truth is that in Gossip Girl, a fundamental part of the plot and the development of events and characters revolves around the fact that being an outsider, poor, or an outsider is a condemnation. And there's no denying it. Just think of Dan and Serena. Both suffer from loneliness, crave validation, and seek true love, but they start from opposite ends of the social spectrum. While Serena’s position in the Upper East Side remains unchanged, Dan has to climb. When he finally reaches the desired point, he no longer has to look up to Serena – emblematic is the flashback where Serena is at the top of the stairs at Blair's party, during their first year of high school – but finds himself directly at eye level with his true love.

Classism in Élite

The Netflix series Élite follows three working-class students – Samuel, Nadia, and Christian – who have just been admitted on a scholarship to an imaginary and prestigious high school called Las Encinas. Once there, they are in for a surprise. In addition to clashing with the wealthy students, the trio also uncovers some hidden and dangerous secrets about the school itself, and must confront classism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and the strict constraints of religion. All these social issues are central to the series' plot and serve to drive it forward, but they are not addressed in depth. Even the characters who have everything are complex and struggle with loss, pain, mental health, and morality. The difference between old money and new money – already a TikTok trend regarding fashion – also emerges here: Rebeka, for example, is a student as wealthy as her peers, but her wealth comes from drug trafficking run by her mother, which does not bring her to the same level as her classmates.

How Will the World of Teen Dramas Continue Without Classism Stories?

In light of these examples, it is clear that classism in romantic TV series presents both strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, these dynamics can create compelling narrative tension and complex characters, offering a reflection of the social realities that still influence our daily lives. On the other hand, perpetuating these clichés risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes and limiting love stories to predictable and non-inclusive patterns that are already too prevalent in real life.