key term - Proletariat

Definition

The proletariat is the class of workers who do not own any means of production and therefore sell their labor to live. They are a fundamental group in Marxist theory, which predicts their rise against capitalism due to exploitation and inequality.

Related terms

Marxism:

A social, political, and economic theory originated by Karl Marx, which advocates for a classless society where all property is publicly owned.

Bourgeoisie:

The class that owns the means of production in capitalist societies, often employing or exploiting the proletariat for profit.

Class struggle: The conflict of interests between the workers and the owning classes in a capitalist society, often leading to political and social change