WAGEWORKER Meaning and
Definition
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A wageworker is an individual who works for wages, typically in manual labor or non-professional occupations. It refers to someone who engages in work that is predominantly physical in nature and requires minimal education or specialized skills.
The term "wageworker" is often used to distinguish this type of worker from those in higher skilled or professional positions, such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers, who are typically employed on a salaried basis. Unlike salaried workers who receive annual or monthly pay, wageworkers are usually paid on an hourly basis or according to the number of units they produce.
Furthermore, a wageworker is typically employed in industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, or service sectors where their labor is necessary for generating profits or fulfilling the needs of others. Wageworkers are often characterized by their reliance on physical labor, as their work entails activities like operating machinery, performing manual tasks, or providing unskilled services to employers or customers.
The concept of wageworkers has historical connotations, rooted in the rise of industrialization and capitalism during the early modern period. It emerged as a distinct category of workers that formed part of the working class, who were dependent on wages earned through their labor to sustain themselves and their families.
In summary, a wageworker refers to an individual who engages in physical, non-professional work and is compensated through wages rather than a fixed salary. This term emphasizes the manual labor and lower skill level often associated with such occupations, distinguishing them from higher skilled or professional workers.
Common Misspellings for WAGEWORKER
Etymology of WAGEWORKER
The word "wageworker" combines two elements: "wage" and "worker".
- "Wage" originated in Middle English as "wage" or "weige" from the Old English "wæge", which referred to a sum of money paid to a person for their labor.
- "Worker" comes from the Old English word "wyrċe", which means a person who performs physical or mental labor.
The term "wageworker" emerged in the early 19th century, referring to someone who earns wages or payment for their work. It is commonly used to describe individuals employed in manual or blue-collar jobs, as opposed to salaried or white-collar workers.
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