A Marxist Study of Space and Social Inequality in Dugo sa Bukang Liwayway

Abstract

This study analyzed Dugo sa Bukang-Liwayway by Rogelio Sicat using Marxist literary theory, focusing on how space reflects class struggle and social inequality. Guided by the ideas of Karl Marx and spatial theory, the research employed a qualitative design through close reading and the use of the Place–Text–Culture Analytical Matrix. The findings revealed that space functioned as a key element in portraying inequality. The cultivated fields and domestic spaces represented the working class and highlighted labor, including gendered and invisible work. In contrast, Señor Borja’s mansion symbolized class hierarchy and social exclusion. Educational spaces were shown to reproduce inequality, where privilege influenced access to opportunities. Moreover, spaces of modernity and aspiration reflected the limitations of social mobility, showing that visible progress did not necessarily lead to empowerment. The study concluded that literature reflects societal realities, revealing how power, labor, and inequality are embedded in social and physical spaces. It highlights the importance of literary analysis in promoting critical awareness of social issues.