Theoretical Constructs on the Film Pursuit of Happyness

Individual Case Study Analysis – “A Critical Analysis Based on the Film Pursuit of Happiness”
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Case study
Chris Gardner's story is one of resilience and perseverance. Despite numerous setbacks, including a failed investment in a bone density scanner, financial struggles, and being abandoned by his wife, Chris remained determined to provide a better life for his son. Even when faced with obstacles such as being evicted from his apartment, spending a night in jail, and having his paycheck garnished, Chris refused to give up. He continued to work hard, took on an internship as a stockbroker, and networked with those around him. Ultimately, his tenacity paid off, and he could secure a stable job that allowed him and his son to start a new life.
Application of Theoretical Constructs
Critical Race Theory
Chris Gardner's experiences can be scrutinized through the lens of Critical Race Theory, a framework that examines how race and racism are embedded in societal structures and institutions. Critical race theorists argue that racism is not just a discrete phenomenon but systemic and often concealed within various aspects of society, including the law (Delgado & Stefancic, 2012). Furthermore, Garcia et al. (2022) maintain that race is a social construct that justifies certain groups' marginalization while simultaneously providing privilege to others. This theory provides a valuable lens for understanding the many obstacles Gardner faces as an African American man. As depicted in the film, Gardner struggles to find employment opportunities that can provide him with financial stability, which impacts his ability to provide a stable home for his son. This struggle can be attributed to systemic racism, which disadvantages Black Americans in the labor market (Wilson & Darity, 2022). Furthermore, Gardner encounters various forms of discrimination throughout his journey, such as when he is not taken seriously as a salesman or when he is not given the same opportunities as other applicants for the stockbroker internship. These experiences could be linked to the ways in which race can operate as a barrier to success in the business world (Carter et al., 2015). Masculinity is highlighted in the film when Gardner, as a single father, takes on the role of provider and caregiver for his son. The depiction of his character could be connected to broader conversations about masculinity and fatherhood and how these constructs intersect with race (Liang, 2016). While the filmmakers may have chosen to focus on Gardner's individual story rather than delving into more general societal issues, the film still offers a critical window into the experiences of marginalized individuals.
Cumulative Inequality Theory
Proponents of cumulative inequality posit that inequality amasses over time, as early-life disadvantages exacerbate other disparities later in life (Gilligan et al., 2018). This paradigm is exemplified in the film "Pursuit of Happiness" through the character of Chris Gardner. Gardner is subjected to numerous early disadvantages- including growing up in a dysfunctional home, witnessing domestic violence, and raising a child as a single father amidst financial hardship. According to cumulative inequality theory, these early impediments manifest in various ways in Gardner's adult life. For instance, a fractured upbringing may hinder his ability to forge healthy relationships, which may have precipitated his divorce. Additionally, financial constraints may have precluded his ability to pursue educational or career opportunities that could have improved his quality of life. Thus, the theory would suggest that these early-life inequalities could continue to have detrimental ramifications for Gardner, constraining his opportunities and perpetuating his poverty.
Disproportionality and Disparities
The experiences of Chris Gardner, as depicted in the movie, offer an illuminating illustration of various forms of disproportionality and disparities. Gardner’s challenges are exacerbated by his status as a black man in America. This demographic group is statistically more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, and housing insecurity than their white counterparts (Hanks et al., 2018). Moreover, as a single father, Gardner must contend with the unique challenges posed by single-parent households, which are disproportionately impoverished (Williams, 2015). The need to simultaneously provide for his son and care for him without adequate support or resources contributes significantly to the stress and pressure in Gardner's life. While Gardner's story ultimately culminates in success, it is crucial to recognize that this is mainly due to a series of opportunities (such as a competitive internship) that become available to him. The movie thereby underscores the extent to which individual outcomes are often shaped by the opportunities and constraints imposed by various systems and institutions.
Multiple underlying causes may have led to the need for social service intervention with Chr...