Bourgeoisie
Definition
The bourgeoisie is a social class characterized by ownership of capital and means of production. They are the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and control the means for producing wealth.
Analogy
Imagine society as a game of Monopoly. The bourgeoisie would be the players who own all the expensive properties on the board, collecting rent from others who land on their spaces.
Related terms
Capitalism: This is an economic system in which trade, industry, and means of production are largely or entirely privately owned and operated for profit; this system is dominated by the bourgeoisie.
Industrial Revolution: This was a period from 1760 to 1840 where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transport, and technology had a profound effect on socioeconomic conditions; it led to rise of bourgeoisie as dominant class.
Marxism: This is a socio-political theory that presents capitalism through a critique of its real-life practices arguing for its replacement with socialism; Karl Marx coined term "bourgeoisie" to describe capitalist class exploiting working class (proletariat).
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