Proletarians

Proletarians, historically and sociologically, refer to the members of the working class or the lower social class, especially those who rely on their labor for survival. They do not own the means of production (factories, land, etc.) and are typically employed by the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class). The term emphasizes their lack of economic control and dependence on wage labor. In Marxist theory, the proletariat is seen as the class destined to overthrow capitalism. Their social and economic conditions are characterized by often unstable wages, vulnerability to economic downturns, and a lack of political power. The term's usage can extend beyond historical contexts to describe any group of people who are economically marginalized and dependent on their labor.

Proletarians meaning with examples

• The factory's closure devastated the local economy, leaving many proletarians unemployed and struggling to provide for their families. Their skills, valuable in manufacturing, were now almost useless, with the global market demanding more complex technology. The workers realized that they were easily replaceable. They had to endure long working hours to survive in the increasingly modern world.
• During the industrial revolution, the rise of factories created a massive proletarian class, who endured harsh working conditions and lived in crowded, unsanitary housing. They worked long shifts to provide labor and often lived in abject poverty, their well-being sacrificed for the capitalist system. A rise of resentment started within the ranks of the factory workers.
• The author's novel vividly portrays the struggles of the urban proletarians during the Great Depression, highlighting their resilience in the face of immense economic hardship and mass unemployment. The book captures the day-to-day lives of families, the economic strain and constant fear.
• The political movement aimed to empower the proletarians by advocating for workers' rights, higher wages, and improved working conditions. They saw the need to give more power to those working and to address the huge income gap, aiming to level the playing field.
• In a globalized economy, many people in developing nations are effectively proletarians, relying on low-wage work in factories or agriculture to survive. This highlights that the condition is not only historical but very current, even if the name isn't always used.