Bourgeoisie: meaning, definitions and examples
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bourgeoisie
[ ˌbʊərʒwɑːˈziː ]
socioeconomic class
The bourgeoisie refers to the middle class in society, primarily characterized by their ownership of capital and their role in the economic system. Historically, they emerged during the late Middle Ages and became prominent during the Industrial Revolution when they gained significant influence and power. The bourgeoisie is often contrasted with the proletariat, who are the working class. In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie are seen as the ruling class that exploits the labor of the proletariat. Their cultural and political influence has shaped modern capitalist societies.
Synonyms
business class, capitalists, entrepreneurs, middle class
Examples of usage
- The bourgeoisie played a key role in the development of capitalism.
- Many members of the bourgeoisie advocate for free market policies.
- In the 19th century, the bourgeoisie gained more political power.
- The bourgeoisie often sets the trends in fashion and culture.
Translations
Translations of the word "bourgeoisie" in other languages:
🇵🇹 burguesia
🇮🇳 bourgeoise
🇩🇪 Bourgeoisie
🇮🇩 borjuasi
🇺🇦 буржуазія
🇵🇱 burżuazja
🇯🇵 ブルジョワジー
🇫🇷 bourgeoisie
🇪🇸 burguesía
🇹🇷 burjuvazi
🇰🇷 부르주아지
🇸🇦 برجوازية
🇨🇿 buržoazie
🇸🇰 buržoázia
🇨🇳 资产阶级
🇸🇮 buržoazija
🇮🇸 borgarastétt
🇰🇿 буржуазия
🇬🇪 ბურჟუაზია
🇦🇿 burjua
🇲🇽 burguesía
Etymology
The term 'bourgeoisie' is derived from the Old French word 'burgeis', meaning 'town dweller'. The word initially referred to the inhabitants of a town or city, particularly those who had acquired a certain level of wealth and were associated with commerce and trade. In the context of medieval society, it evolved to denote a class of people who were neither nobility nor peasantry but occupied a position in between. As the capitalist economy grew, particularly in Europe, especially after the Industrial Revolution, the bourgeoisie emerged as a powerful social class, owning factories and means of production. Karl Marx popularized the term in the 19th century within his critique of political economy, using it to refer to the capitalist class that exploits the working class (proletariat). Over time, the term has retained its association with wealth, economic power, and cultural influence within capitalist societies.