PETITE BOURGEOISIE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "petite bourgeoisie" refers to a social class that occupies a position between the working class and the higher social classes in capitalist societies. This term originates from the French language, where "petite" translates to "small" or "little," and "bourgeoisie" refers to the middle class.
The petite bourgeoisie typically consists of individuals who own small businesses, such as shopkeepers, small-scale entrepreneurs, and independent professionals like doctors or lawyers. Members of this class often have a moderate level of income and may have acquired some degree of education. They usually maintain a certain level of autonomy in their work, distinguishing them from the working class whose labor is generally more directed and monitored within an employment relationship.
While petite bourgeoisie individuals may have aspirations towards upward mobility and strive for a higher social and economic status, they are often constrained by limited resources and face strong competition from larger corporations. They tend to lead a relatively comfortable lifestyle relative to the working class, but they also lack the significant wealth and influence associated with the upper classes.
The petite bourgeoisie has been a subject of analysis and critique by various social theories, including Marxism, which argues that this class acts as a buffer or intermediary between the capitalist class and the working class, potentially blurring class consciousness and hindering class solidarity.
Common Misspellings for PETITE BOURGEOISIE
- oetite bourgeoisie
- letite bourgeoisie
- -etite bourgeoisie
- 0etite bourgeoisie
- pwtite bourgeoisie
- pstite bourgeoisie
- pdtite bourgeoisie
- prtite bourgeoisie
- p4tite bourgeoisie
- p3tite bourgeoisie
- perite bourgeoisie
- pefite bourgeoisie
- pegite bourgeoisie
- peyite bourgeoisie
- pe6ite bourgeoisie
- pe5ite bourgeoisie
- petute bourgeoisie
- petjte bourgeoisie
- petkte bourgeoisie
Etymology of PETITE BOURGEOISIE
The term "petite bourgeoisie" is derived from the French language. It combines two words: "petite" meaning small or little, and "bourgeoisie" referring to the capitalist middle class. The word "bourgeoisie" originates from the Old French word "burjois", which meant "town dweller" or "inhabitant of a bourg" (a medieval market town). Over time, "bourgeoisie" came to represent the middle class, typically associated with the urban mercantile and professional classes, who owned property and held non-noble titles during the feudal system. The addition of "petite" in front of "bourgeoisie" serves to emphasize the lower stature or social standing of a particular segment within the middle class. The term "petite bourgeoisie" is often used to refer to small business owners, lower-middle-class professionals, and white-collar workers.
Similar spelling word for PETITE BOURGEOISIE
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