Classes

Definition

In the context of industrialization, classes refer to distinct social groups or categories that emerged based on individuals' economic status, occupation, wealth, and access to resources.

Analogy

Think of a school cafeteria where students naturally segregate themselves into different tables based on their interests. Similarly, in society during industrialization, people sorted themselves into different classes based on their economic circumstances.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie refers to the middle class who typically owned means of production such as factories or businesses during industrialization.

Proletariat: The proletariat refers to the working class comprised mostly of laborers who sold their labor for wages during industrialization.

Landed Elite: The landed elite were wealthy landowners who held significant political power due to their ownership of large amounts of land. They often belonged to the upper classes during periods of industrialization.