Proletariat vs. Bourgeoisie: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 12, 2023
Proletariat refers to the working class who sell their labor for wages. Bourgeoisie refers to the capitalist class who own the means of production.
Key Differences
The proletariat represents the working class in Marxist theory, who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive. While, the bourgeoisie is the class that owns the means of production and capital, and employs the proletariat.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
The proletariat is primarily involved in manual or industrial labor, generating value through their work, but not owning the products of their labor. The bourgeoisie, on the other hand, controls production and profits from the labor of the proletariat, reinforcing their economic status.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Historically, the rise of the proletariat accompanied industrialization, where laborers worked in factories owned by the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie emerged with the decline of feudalism, becoming the dominant economic class through capital accumulation and control of production.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
The proletariat is often associated with efforts to improve working conditions, wages, and rights, sometimes advocating for socialism or communism. The bourgeoisie tends to support capitalism and policies that protect property rights and capital accumulation.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
In Marxist theory, the struggle between the proletariat and bourgeoisie is central to the dynamics of capitalism, leading to class conflict. Marx predicted that this conflict would eventually lead to the proletariat overthrowing the bourgeoisie and establishing a classless society.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Economic Role
Produce goods, manual labor
Manage production, profit from labor
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Historical Emergence
Rose with industrialization
Emerged with the decline of feudalism
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Political Interests
Often support socialism/communism
Generally support capitalism
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Proletariat and Bourgeoisie Definitions
Proletariat
The class of workers who sell their labor.
The proletariat is crucial to the factory’s operations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Bourgeoisie
The class that employs the working class.
The bourgeoisie were often in conflict with labor unions.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Proletariat
Those who perform manual or industrial labor.
The proletariat formed the backbone of the industrial revolution.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Bourgeoisie
The class that owns production means.
The bourgeoisie benefited greatly from industrial profits.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Proletariat
Those who don’t own the means of production.
The plight of the proletariat was a central theme in Marxist theory.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Bourgeoisie
The economically higher class in capitalism.
The bourgeoisie held significant political influence.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Proletariat
The economically lower class in capitalism.
The proletariat's conditions sparked the labor movement.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Bourgeoisie
Those who own factories, land, or businesses.
The bourgeoisie invested in new technologies.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Proletariat
Individuals who earn wages, not owning production.
The proletariat often struggles for fair wages.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Bourgeoisie
Those who own significant property.
The lifestyle of the bourgeoisie was often luxurious.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Proletariat
The class of industrial wage earners who, possessing neither capital nor production means, must earn their living by selling their labor.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Bourgeoisie
In Marxist theory, the social group opposed to the proletariat in the class struggle.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Proletariat
The propertyless class of ancient Rome, constituting the lowest class of citizens.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Bourgeoisie
(historical) A class of citizens who were wealthier members of the third estate.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Proletariat
The lowest class of society; also, the lower classes of society generally; the masses.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Proletariat
(Marxism) Wage earners collectively, excluding salaried workers; people who own no capital and depend on their labour for survival; the working class, especially when seen as engaged in a class struggle with the t=the capital-owning class.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Bourgeoisie
The French middle class, particularly such as are concerned in, or dependent on, trade.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Proletariat
The lowest class of citizens, who had no property and few rights, and were regarded as contributing only their offspring to the state.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
Proletariat
A social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages;
There is a shortage of skilled labor in this field
Sumera Saeed
Jan 22, 2023
FAQs
What is the bourgeoisie's key characteristic?
The bourgeoisie is characterized by their ownership of the means of production.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Do the proletariat own any production means?
No, the proletariat does not own the means of production.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
What historical conditions led to the bourgeoisie’s rise?
The bourgeoisie rose to prominence with the decline of feudalism and the growth of capitalism.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Are proletariat and bourgeoisie always antagonistic?
In Marxist theory, there is an inherent class struggle between the proletariat and bourgeoisie.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Can a member of the proletariat become bourgeoisie?
Yes, through accumulation of capital and ownership, a proletariat can become part of the bourgeoisie.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
What defines the proletariat?
The proletariat is defined by their role as laborers who sell their labor for wages.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
How do proletariat and bourgeoisie differ in political views?
The proletariat often favors socialism or communism, while the bourgeoisie supports capitalism.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
How does the bourgeoisie generate profit?
The bourgeoisie generates profit from the surplus value produced by the proletariat’s labor.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Did Marx view the proletariat as revolutionary?
Yes, Marx saw the proletariat as potentially revolutionary, capable of overthrowing the bourgeoisie.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
How did the proletariat emerge?
The proletariat emerged with the rise of industrialization and factory work.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
What happens to the proletariat in a capitalist society?
In a capitalist society, the proletariat may face exploitation and economic challenges.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
What is the bourgeoisie's role in the economy?
The bourgeoisie plays a central role in managing production and capital.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
What is the proletariat's main source of income?
The proletariat’s income primarily comes from wages for their labor.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
How does the bourgeoisie influence politics?
The bourgeoisie influences politics through capital, often supporting policies that protect their interests.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Is the bourgeoisie always wealthy?
While typically wealthy, the bourgeoisie's defining feature is their ownership of production means, not just wealth.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
How did industrialization affect the proletariat?
Industrialization led to the expansion of the proletariat, but also to their exploitation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
What is the ultimate goal of the proletariat in Marxist theory?
The ultimate goal is to overthrow the bourgeoisie and create a classless society.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
What rights do the proletariat typically fight for?
The proletariat often fights for better wages, working conditions, and labor rights.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Do the bourgeoisie always control the government?
Not always, but the bourgeoisie often has significant influence over government policies.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Can the proletariat own small businesses?
Owning a small business might elevate a proletariat to a lower tier of the bourgeoisie, depending on the scale.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
