Arcane

Beugin Marina

Introduction

- Social inequalities - Piltover and Zaun - How this fictional society can be compared to the US society.

How does Arcane portray social inequality and to what extent does it reflect social realities in the United States ?

Table of content

I. Presentation of Arcane II. The contrast between Piltover and Zaun III. A reflection of social inequality in the United States

I. Presentation of Arcane

- Animated serie - Released in 2021 - Riot Games and Fortiche - Fictional universe but realistic

II. The contrast between Piltover and Zaun

Piltover :

- "City of progress" - Innovation, science, economic success - City : Clean, bright, welll organized - Power : small elite group, the council

Example of Jayce Talis

- Privilege - Talented and helped by powerful ppl - Becomes a respected scientist + join the council - Success linked to social connections and environment

II. The contrast between Piltover and Zaun

Zaun :

- Under Piltover - Dark, poluted, chaotic ≠ Piltover - Toxic air , difficult living conditions - Ppl struggle to survive => crime and illegal activities

Examples of Jinx and Ekko

- Grew up in this context - Lives shaped by violence and instability - Talented BUT lack of opportunities

Structural inequalities

- Inequalities built in the system => not individuals choices - Zaunians are disavantaged since birth - Lack of social mobility - In theory anyone could succeed but not in reality

III. A reflection of social inequality in the United States

- "American dream" - Social mobility is limited especially for ppl from disavantaged backgrounds - Cycle of inequality hard to break

Power and Law enforcement

- Piltover controls Zaun throught force - Uses violence and repression rather than improve living conditions in Zaun - Linked to debates in the US : strong police presence that increase the tensions between people and authorities

Economic exploitation

- Piltover's wealth built on Zaun's exploitation - Benfits for Piltover but consequences for Zaun - One benefits while the other pay the price - Industrialization in the US

Identity and Resistance

- Zaunians develops strong sense of identity - Sees themselves as oppressed and different - Leads to groups who wants independence - Tired of being controlled and ignored

Conclusion

Sources

- Arcane serie - Arcane official artbook - Pew Research Center : research on inequality and social mobility - General sociological concepts: social stratification, inequality, and mobility