The phrase "rule the proletariat" is spelled /ruːl ðə prəʊlɪˈtɛərɪət/. The word "proletariat" is spelled with a 't', but pronounced with a silent 't', making it sound like "prole-TAIR-ee-at". The 'oe' in "proletariat" is pronounced like a long 'o', and the 'a' in "rule" is pronounced with a long 'u' sound. The phrase refers to the idea of the working class having power and control over society, and was popularized by Communist movements.
"Rule the proletariat" refers to a concept often associated with Marxist theory and socialism, where the proletariat, or the working class, assumes political power and governs a society. In Marxist thought, the proletariat is viewed as the oppressed class who sell their labor and are exploited by the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class. The phrase "rule the proletariat" defines the objective of empowering the proletariat to become the ruling class in a socialistic system, with the intent of eradicating class struggle and achieving a more equitable society.
Under this ideology, the rule of the proletariat would involve the collective ownership and control of the means of production, as well as the abolishment of private property. The aim is to eliminate the exploitation of labor and establish a society where resources are distributed according to need. Furthermore, this concept entails the establishment of a proletarian state, a government actively representing and advancing the interests of the working class.
The notion of "rule the proletariat" is grounded in the belief that the working class, being the majority of the population, should have political power to determine the course of society and how resources are used. Proponents argue that this shift in power dynamics is necessary for a truly democratic and egalitarian society, where social and economic inequalities are minimized or eliminated. However, critics of this concept often raise concerns about the centralization of power, potential for bureaucracy, and limitations on individual freedoms that may arise from such a system.