Karl Marx Karl marx
Marx defined the working class as those who have to sell their labor power in order to survive, typically receiving wages in exchange for their work. They do not own the means of production and are therefore exploited by the capitalist class, who control the economy and profit from the labor of the working class. Marx believed that the working class, or proletariat, had the potential to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a classless society based on common ownership of the means of production.
All those who have to work for wages, i.e. have to sell their labour power to an employer in return for a wage.
In the dictatorship of the proletariat, the communist party has all power and rules in the name of working class.
In the dictatorship of the proletariat, the communist party has all power and rules in the name of working class.
Karl Marx believed that the elites in society were the bourgeoisie, who controlled the means of production and held economic power over the working class, the proletariat. He argued that the bourgeoisie exploited the proletariat for their own financial gain, perpetuating inequality and class conflict.
Karl Marx believed that history is a continuous battle between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat) over control of resources and power. He argued that this struggle was intrinsic to the capitalist system, where the exploitation of the labor of the working class by the ruling class created conflict and inequality.
Karl Marx viewed democracy as a tool used by the ruling capitalist class to maintain their power and serve their interests. He believed that true democracy can only be achieved through the liberation of the working class from capitalist exploitation, leading to a more equitable and just society. Marx saw democracy as a way to ensure that the working class had a voice and power in shaping society.
The middle class was the one that rises greatly in power during the Industrial Revolution.
Industrialization generally improved the earnings of the working class, thus increasing their spending power. However, industrialization also led to the working class working longer and longer hours in poor conditions.
According to John Locke, governmental power comes from the consent of the governed. He believed that people form a social contract with the government, giving up some of their individual freedoms in exchange for protection of their rights and property. If the government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to overthrow it.
Members of the middle class believed hard work and education would bring success, and that getting ahead was based on effort and talent. They felt that people should earn their money, unlike upper-class individuals who inherited their wealth. At the same time, they criticized working-class people for not trying hard enough to improve themselves. Many middle-class members believed strongly in progress and thought that they were the hope for the future.