Dirty Dancing: The issue of class in the USA

This film is always on television,which is a testament to its enduring popularity. One of this I have noticed is that class is a theme that is constantly touched on. America claims that it does not have a class system, but the actions of the characters in this film are in part determined by their background.

The Houseman's are obviously middle class, enjoying the privileges that this brings. It also means that Baby is insulated from the realities of life among working class. Johnny's initial hostility to Baby is rooted in the fact , one wrong step from him or his friends and they could all get fired.

Johnny admits to Baby that he had slept with rich older women, which implies that he was being exploited by women who were in stronger economic position than him. Mrs Pressman clearly had Johnny on her agenda.

The "Penny Situation" is caused in part by Robbie, thinking that he could get a woman pregnant and then act like a total bastard towards her. His comment at the end of the film," some people count" is the arrogance of someone who knows that he is in a stronger social group than the entertainment staff. Dr Housemen's disregard of Johnny is also an indication of a man who makes judgement of others based on class/ economic status. He is however, willing to admit that he made a mistake.