Class consciousness

Definition

Class consciousness is the awareness and understanding that individuals have of their social class and its implications on their lives, particularly regarding their interests, rights, and position within systems of power and economic production. It encompasses recognizing commonalities with others in the same class, leading to potential collective action or social change.

Related terms

Social Class:

A division of a society based on social and economic status.

Bourgeoisie:

The capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production.

Proletariat:

The working class who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie for wages in a capitalist economy