Bourgeoisie

Definition

The bourgeoisie refers to the social class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society, often contrasted with the working class or proletariat. This group holds economic power and is typically characterized by their ownership of capital and property, as well as their role in influencing political and social structures. The bourgeoisie's interests are often seen as aligned with capitalism and can lead to tensions with those who work for wages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'bourgeoisie' originates from the French word 'bourge', which means 'town dweller', reflecting its roots in urban middle-class life.
2. In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie is seen as a ruling class that exploits the proletariat by extracting surplus value from their labor.
3. Marx argued that the bourgeoisie's control over the means of production leads to societal inequalities and class conflict.
4. The bourgeoisie is often associated with cultural values such as individualism, materialism, and a focus on consumerism.
5. Historically, the rise of the bourgeoisie was linked to the decline of feudalism and the emergence of industrial capitalism in Europe.

Review Questions

• How does the bourgeoisie maintain its power within a capitalist society?
  • The bourgeoisie maintains its power by owning and controlling the means of production, which allows them to dictate terms of employment and production. Their economic influence translates into political power as they can shape laws and policies that protect their interests. By perpetuating ideologies that favor capitalism, they also maintain social structures that keep them at the top, creating barriers for upward mobility among the proletariat.
• Discuss how Marx's view of the bourgeoisie contributes to the understanding of class struggle in society.
  • Marx viewed the bourgeoisie as fundamentally opposed to the proletariat due to their conflicting interests; while the bourgeoisie seeks to maximize profits, the proletariat aims for fair wages and working conditions. This inherent conflict fuels class struggle, as both classes vie for control over resources and power. Marx argued that this struggle is a driving force in historical development, ultimately leading to revolutionary changes when the proletariat becomes conscious of their exploitation.
• Evaluate the implications of bourgeois values on contemporary social structures and inequalities.
  • Bourgeois values such as consumerism and individualism significantly influence modern social structures, often exacerbating inequalities. These values promote competition and material wealth accumulation, leading to a society where success is measured by economic status rather than communal well-being. This emphasis on personal achievement can result in marginalized groups facing systemic barriers, reinforcing socio-economic divides and challenging efforts towards equality. Recognizing these implications allows for critical discourse on how economic systems can shape social justice movements.

Related terms

proletariat: The proletariat is the working class in a capitalist society who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and where goods and services are produced for profit.

class struggle: Class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, over resources, power, and influence.