The spelling of "member of working class" can be broken down phonetically as /ˈmɛmbər əv ˈwɜrkɪŋ klæs/. The first syllable "mem" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, while "ber" has a schwa sound. "Of" is pronounced with a short "o" and "working" with a short "u". "Class" has the characteristic "a" sound of words in the "aft" family. The word is spelled as it sounds except for the dropped "o" in "of". The spelling is standardized and widely accepted in English language documentation.
A member of the working class refers to an individual who belongs to the socioeconomic group characterized by their participation in industrious labor to earn a living and their tendency to perform manual or non-managerial jobs within the labor market. This social classification encompasses individuals who typically lack significant ownership of capital or substantial control over the means of production.
Members of the working class often engage in physical or routine work, such as manufacturing, construction, or service-oriented tasks. They commonly carry out responsibilities that require a lower level of skill or training compared to the professional or managerial roles associated with the middle or upper classes.
This social classification is defined by its relationship to the production process and includes a broader spectrum of occupations taking part in manual labor or trades. Working-class individuals often face distinct challenges, such as limited job security, lower wages, and fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to those in more privileged socioeconomic categories.
While this group's experiences and perspectives may vary across different cultural, historical, and geographic contexts, the term "member of the working class" generally refers to those who rely on their labor for income and whose socioeconomic status is predominantly determined by their employment in blue-collar jobs or lower-skilled professions.