Proletariat

Real World Example

During the Industrial Revolution from 1750-1850, the term "proletariat" referred to the growing class of workers who moved to cities to work in factories and industries. This class was important because they powered the new industries and fueled economic growth, but they often worked in poor conditions for low wages. The concept responded to the shift from agrarian societies to urban industrial ones, highlighting issues of worker exploitation and the need for labor rights. Today, the concept of the proletariat still matters as it relates to discussions about fair wages, working conditions, and labor rights in modern industries. For example, when people advocate for a higher minimum wage or better working conditions in retail or fast-food chains, they are addressing issues that originally arose with the historical proletariat.