Proletariat: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in political or sociological discussions to refer to the class of workers who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive. Often associated with Marxist theory.

• The proletariat played a crucial role in the industrial revolution
• The party's manifesto aimed to empower the proletariat

Describes the socioeconomic group consisting of people employed in lower-tier jobs, primarily involving manual labor. This term is more general than 'blue-collar workers' and can include various types of jobs.

• Many policies were designed to support the working class
• Housing costs are a major concern for the working class

Refers to individuals who perform physical work, often of an unskilled or semi-skilled nature. This term is used in a variety of contexts, from construction to agriculture.

• The laborers worked long hours on the construction site
• Seasonal laborers are essential during the harvest

Used to describe workers who perform manual labor, typically in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and maintenance. Often contrasted with white-collar workers, who perform professional or administrative tasks.

• The factory employs many blue-collar workers
• He takes pride in his blue-collar roots