The word "proletarianise" is spelled prəʊlɪ'tɛːrɪənaɪz. This word consists of two parts: "proletarian," meaning a member of the working class, and "-ize," a suffix meaning to make or become. Therefore, "proletarianise" means to make something or someone into a member of the working class or to transform into a working-class environment. This word is rare and not frequently used in daily English conversation or writing, but it can still be found in certain academic or political contexts.
Proletarianise is a verb that refers to the process of transforming an individual or a group into proletarians, specifically in the context of class distinction. Proletarianisation involves the transition from a non-proletarian social or economic status to that of being a part of the working class. The term originates from the word "proletarian," which historically referred to the working-class individuals who did not own any means of production and had to sell their labor to survive.
The concept of proletarianisation emerged during the industrial revolution when significant changes occurred in the socio-economic structure of societies, particularly in Western countries. As industries developed and capitalism spread, the traditional social distinctions between the capitalist bourgeoisie and the working-class proletariat became more pronounced. Proletarianisation reflects the process by which people from various backgrounds, including artisans, peasants, and small business owners, were forced into wage labor and became part of the working class.
Proletarianisation often involves the loss of economic independence and self-employment, as individuals become dependent on working for wages to sustain their livelihood. This transformation may result from factors such as the mechanization of production, decline of traditional industries, or changes in economic systems. The term encompasses both the economic transformation of individuals and the broader social and cultural changes that can occur as a consequence. Proletarianisation is frequently discussed within the context of social and labor movements, class struggle, and the ongoing debate surrounding economic inequality and exploitation.
The word "proletarianise" is derived from the noun "proletarian" which comes from the Latin word "proletarius". In ancient Rome, "proletarius" referred to a member of the lowest social class, the "proletarii". These individuals were known as proletarians because their only contribution to society was proles (offspring) rather than wealth or property. The suffix "-ise" is added to "proletarian" to form the verb "proletarianise", which means to make someone or something proletarian, specifically in terms of their socio-economic status.