Pronunciation: [ðə wˈɜːkɪŋ klˈas] (IPA) 
The phrase "the working class" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ðə ˈwɜrkɪŋ klɑːs/. The initial "th" sound is represented by the symbol /ð/, followed by a schwa sound symbolized by /ə/. Then comes the "w" sound, as represented by /w/. The stressed syllable is "king," and it is represented by /ˈwɜrkɪŋ/. Finally, the word "class" is spelled as /klɑːs/, with a long "a" sound represented by /ɑː/.
The working class refers to a sociological concept that categorizes individuals who are primarily engaged in manual labor or occupations that require minimal skills and education. This grouping includes individuals who rely on physical work rather than intellectual or managerial tasks to earn a living. Generally, the working class comprises blue-collar workers, such as factory workers, construction laborers, and maintenance workers, who perform hands-on or manual labor.
Members of the working class often have limited opportunities for career advancement or higher education due to socioeconomic constraints. They typically earn wages rather than salaries and are more likely to work in industries that involve physical labor or production. These individuals form the backbone of various industries, contributing to the economy by producing goods, providing services, and undertaking essential tasks necessary for society's functioning.
The working class often faces challenges related to job insecurity, low wages, and lack of benefits, which can result in financial instability. They may also experience limited access to resources and opportunities for socioeconomic mobility, further exacerbating existing inequalities in society. Historically, the working class has been associated with labor movements and unions as they strive to advocate for better working conditions, higher wages, and improved labor rights.
While the working class is generally associated with manual labor, it is crucial to acknowledge that modern society has seen a transformation in labor dynamics, blurring the traditional binary of working and middle-class individuals. Nevertheless, the concept of the working class remains significant in understanding socioeconomic structures, inequality, and social divisions within societies.
