working class; proletariat
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
the social class comprised of laborers who possess no means of production and rely on wages for livelihood
formalA core concept in Marxist theory and political discourse. Refers specifically to industrial and wage-earning workers.
The working class is the leading force of the proletarian revolution.
In the 19th century, the living conditions of the working class were very harsh.
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The interests of the working class should be fully protected.
noun
the leading class in a proletarian revolution, representing the most advanced productive forces
formalDescribes the political and historical role of the working class in socialist theory.
During the Chinese Revolution, the working class played a vanguard role.
The political party of the working class is committed to achieving socialism.
noun
a class characterized by foresight, selflessness, high organization, discipline, and revolutionary spirit
formalUsed in political rhetoric to praise the qualities of the working class in an idealized, Marxist context.
The working class possesses a thoroughgoing revolutionary spirit and a selfless attitude.
Labor unions foster organization and discipline within the working class.