4) A Stark Social Hierarchy
One of the most curious, but persistent elements of the Star Wars formula is the notion of a clear social hierarchy. Rather than Star Wars presenting a science-fiction-based vision of what life could be like in an alternative, futuristic reality, where humanity has moved beyond its earthly bounds and is participating in a galactic civilization, the society depicted in the franchise is more of a dystopian vision, in that a clear social hierarchy has emerged, and remains. There is slavery, organized crime, scavengers, farmers, a well-populated military, religious sects, tribal communities, politicians and royalty. Each of these sections of society appears to function largely in isolation, while forming part of the wider population, and this adds to the presence of conflict.
The use of this backdrop of social hierarchy is curious for two reasons. Firstly, given that our own society claims to prioritize the fight for equality, it initially seems odd that this alternate reality would instead emphasize the social divisions that we’re already familiar with. The truth is, however, that Star Wars is, in a sense, a stark warning to civilizations – with the conflicts caused by social division and inequality being simply an exaggerated version of our own.
Secondly, it’s curious in that the social hierarchy that runs through the franchise sees a clear cycle through which the trans-generational trauma is passed. It begins with an enslaved, juvenile Anakin, who grows up to marry royalty. The children they spawn are separated at birth, with one becoming a farmer, and the other becoming royalty – but both eventually turn into soldiers of the Rebellion. This is reflected once again in The Force Awakens, where we see scavenger Rey battling royal descendent and military leader, Kylo Ren.
