The Perfect Nanny

Classism and the power hierarchies that it informs are central themes in The Perfect Nanny, often intertwined with themes of sexism and racism. The Massé family and Louise represent opposite poles of a classist dichotomy: Louise holds a lower socioeconomic status, barely affording to live in the suburbs of Paris and has a “low class” job, while Paul and Myriam are middle or upper-middle class, living in the 10th district of Paris and working in music (Paul) and law (Myriam). The characters with the superior status frequently exercise their power over the lower status Louise. They have her work long hours and even bring her with them on vacation, dictating her schedule—something that Louise presumably could not, or would not, argue against, as she relies on the Massés to earn a living.

Louise’s lower class status results in her often being objectified, treated as less than human. When they invite Louise on vacation, Paul automatically assumes that Louise will be delighted to join them. He can’t fathom that she’d have a life of her own, outside of caring for children—especially children that aren’t hers. The way Paul talks about Louise also reflects an attitude of Louise being some sort of object, at best a pet or a child.