Proletarianism: meaning, definitions and examples
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proletarianism
[ ˌprɒləˈtɛəriənɪzəm ]
political ideology
Proletarianism is a socio-political and economic theory which advocates for the working class's right to overthrow capitalist structures and achieve social ownership of the means of production. It emphasizes the importance of class struggle and the liberation of the proletariat as a revolutionary force.
Synonyms
class struggle, socialist movement, working-class ideology
Examples of usage
- Proletarianism is central to Marxist theory.
- The movement gained momentum through proletarianism.
- He advocated for proletarianism in his writings.
Etymology
The term 'proletarianism' is derived from the word 'proletariat,' which has its roots in the Latin word 'proletarius'—a term used to refer to the lowest class of Roman citizens, who were primarily valued not for their wealth but for their potential to produce future citizens for the state. Marx and Engels later popularized the concept within their critiques of capitalism, characterizing the proletariat as the working class that sells its labor to the bourgeoisie, the capitalist class that owns the means of production. The idea of proletarianism gained significant traction in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during the rise of socialism and communism as alternative socio-economic systems. It has served as a foundational aspect of various labor movements and revolutions worldwide, advocating for the rights and interests of the working class.