Proletariat

Secessio plebis

Jean-François Millet - L'Homme à la houe

Berlin, Alte Nationalgalerie, Adolph von Menzel, das Eisenwalzwerk

Pyramid of Capitalist System

Propaganda, Gorky Park, Moscow (32049658035)

Proletariat refers to the class of wage-earners in a capitalist society whose only significant material value is their labor power. The term is used in Marxist theory to describe the class of people who do not own the means of production and can only sell their labor to live. The proletariat is distinct from the bourgeoisie, the class that owns the means of production and can buy the labor of the proletariat. The conflict between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie is seen as an inherent and defining feature of capitalism.

Origins and Development

The concept of the proletariat has its origins in Roman law, where it referred to the lowest class of citizens. However, its modern interpretation was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. They argued that the conditions of the proletariat were fundamentally different under capitalism due to the industrial revolution, which led to mass employment in factories and significantly altered the social and economic landscape.

Characteristics

The main characteristic of the proletariat is their lack of ownership of the means of production, such as factories, land, and machinery. This condition compels them to sell their labor to the bourgeoisie to receive wages. The proletariat is also characterized by its role in the production process, where their labor is exploited to generate profit for the bourgeoisie. This exploitation is a key point in Marxist theory, which posits that the value of the products created by the proletariat exceeds the wages they receive, a concept known as surplus value.

Role in Capitalism and Revolution

Marxist theory posits that the proletariat plays a central role in the capitalist system, as their labor is the source of profit and economic growth. However, Marx and Engels also believed that the proletariat has the revolutionary potential to overthrow the bourgeoisie. This would involve seizing control of the means of production and establishing a socialist society, where the means of production are owned collectively. The ultimate goal is to achieve a communist society, characterized by the absence of classes, state, and oppression.

Criticisms and Debates

The concept of the proletariat has been subject to various criticisms and debates. Some argue that the increasing complexity of class structures in contemporary capitalism, with the emergence of the service sector and knowledge economy, has made the traditional Marxist distinction between proletariat and bourgeoisie less relevant. Others contend that the global expansion of capitalism has led to the formation of a global proletariat, with shared interests across national borders.

Contemporary Relevance

Despite these debates, the concept of the proletariat remains relevant in discussions about labor rights, income inequality, and the future of work. The growth of precarious employment and the gig economy has renewed interest in the conditions of the working class and the potential for collective action to improve their circumstances.