Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Class struggle refers to the conflict between different social classes in society, particularly between the working class (proletariat) and owning class (bourgeoisie), over resources, wealth distribution, and power.
This term describes a temporary period after a socialist revolution where political power is held by the working class to suppress bourgeois influence.
Social inequality: Social inequality refers to disparities in wealth, income, opportunities, or privileges among individuals or groups within a society.
Exploitation: Exploitation occurs when one group benefits unfairly from another group's labor or resources, often resulting in economic and social inequalities.