The petty bourgeoisie refers to a social class that occupies a position between the working class and the bourgeoisie or capitalist class. This term is usually used within Marxist theory and is characterized by individuals who own small businesses, are self-employed, or hold white-collar managerial or professional positions.
Typically, the petty bourgeoisie comprises small-scale entrepreneurs, small business owners, skilled workers, lower-level managers, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, and those who derive their income from non-manual labor. Members of this social class generally possess some degree of financial independence and have aspirations for upward social mobility.
The petty bourgeoisie plays a complex role within the capitalist system. On one hand, they are often subject to conditions and exploitation similar to the working class, facing economic uncertainty, limited job security, and lack of control over their labor. On the other hand, they may possess some forms of capital or access to resources, which position them closer to the bourgeoisie. This dual status can create contradictions and tensions within the individual members of the petty bourgeoisie.
In Marxist analysis, the petty bourgeoisie is seen as a potential revolutionary force due to their ambiguous class position and the inherent contradictions they face. However, they also have the potential to align themselves with the bourgeoisie to protect their own interests and distance themselves from the working class. As a result, the role and significance of the petty bourgeoisie within capitalist societies have been subjects of intense theoretical debate and analysis within Marxist thought.
