Working class

Definition

The working class refers to a social group primarily composed of individuals who engage in manual labor or low-skilled jobs, often earning wages that are significantly lower than those of the upper and middle classes. This group plays a crucial role in the economy, providing labor for industries and services while facing various social and economic challenges, such as job insecurity and limited access to resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The emergence of the working class coincided with the Industrial Revolution, which transformed economies and created new job opportunities in factories and urban centers.
2. Working-class individuals often faced harsh living and working conditions, leading to movements advocating for labor rights and social reforms during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. Artworks from movements like the Ashcan School captured the struggles and daily lives of working-class people, highlighting their resilience amid challenging circumstances.
4. Many artists associated with the Ashcan School were motivated by a desire to depict real-life experiences, focusing on the authenticity of working-class life rather than idealized representations.
5. The working class's contributions to American society have often been overlooked in favor of narratives centered around wealthier classes, despite their vital role in driving economic growth.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of industrialization contribute to the formation and growth of the working class in America?
  • Industrialization dramatically changed the economic landscape of America, creating an immense demand for labor as factories proliferated. This led to a migration of people from rural areas to urban centers, forming a substantial working class that filled low-wage jobs. The shift not only transformed how goods were produced but also reshaped societal structures, giving rise to new social dynamics centered around labor and class.
• In what ways did the Ashcan School artists reflect the realities faced by the working class through their artwork?
  • Artists of the Ashcan School sought to portray authentic scenes of everyday life for the working class, moving away from idealized representations common in earlier art. Their works often depicted gritty urban landscapes, bustling streets, and candid moments from daily life that showcased both struggle and resilience. By focusing on these subjects, they highlighted social issues and aimed to bring awareness to the conditions faced by ordinary people in rapidly changing cities.
• Evaluate how the historical context surrounding the working class during the late 19th century shaped artistic movements like the Ashcan School.
  • The historical context of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and socio-economic inequality heavily influenced artistic movements such as the Ashcan School. As the working class navigated difficult conditions marked by exploitation and poverty, artists responded by capturing their experiences in a raw and unfiltered manner. This engagement with reality not only reflected societal concerns but also fostered discussions about class struggles, ultimately impacting public perception and policy regarding labor rights during that transformative era.

Related terms

Industrialization: The process of developing industries on a wide scale, which significantly increased the demand for labor and led to the growth of the working class in urban areas.

Labor Movement: A collective effort by workers to improve their rights and working conditions, often through the formation of unions and organized strikes.

Urbanization: The migration of populations from rural areas to cities, resulting in increased density and diversity in urban settings, where many members of the working class lived.