PROLETARIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Proletarian is an adjective that refers to the working-class individuals who do not own the means of production and rely on their labor to earn wages in order to support themselves and their families. The term has its roots in the Latin word "proletarius," which referred to a Roman citizen who had no property and whose only contribution to society was through the production of offspring.
In a social and political context, the term "proletarian" became prominent during the rise of industrialization and the emergence of capitalism. It was popularized by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their famous work "The Communist Manifesto." According to Marxist theory, the proletariat is a key social class that would eventually overthrow the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) through a revolution, leading to the establishment of a classless society.
The proletarian class is characterized by their lack of ownership of factories, land, or other means of production. They are typically employed by capitalists and work in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, and services. Proletarians are often associated with manual labor and are subject to economic exploitation by the bourgeoisie.
The term "proletarian" is also used more broadly to describe the interests, struggles, and culture of the working class. It is often associated with themes of solidarity, collective action, and the fight for workers' rights.
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• One of the lowest of the people.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PROLETARIAN
Etymology of PROLETARIAN
The word "proletarian" originated from the Latin word "proletarius". In ancient Rome, the proletarii were the lowest class of citizens who did not own property and were only able to contribute offspring (proles) to the state. The term was later adopted by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their writings.
Marx and Engels used the term "proletariat" to refer to the working class in their communist theory. They believed that the proletariat, as wage laborers, were exploited by the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) in a capitalist society. The word "proletarian" became associated with this concept and represented the working class, deprived of property and means of production.
Similar spelling words for PROLETARIAN
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