bourgeoisie
Definition
The bourgeoisie is a social class characterized by their ownership of capital and their role in production through the ownership and control of property and businesses. This class is central to the capitalist system, often contrasted with the working class or proletariat, who provide labor for wages.
Analogy
If we think of a commercial airplane flight as a capitalist economy, the bourgeoisie could be likened to the owners of the airline, who profit from owning the planes (means of production) and selling tickets, while passengers (the proletariat) pay for the service without owning any part of the airline.
Related terms
Capitalism: An economic system where trade, industries, and means of production are largely or entirely privately owned and operated for profit.
Proletariat: The class of wage-earners in a capitalist society whose only significant material value comes from their ability to work; they do not own any means of production.
Class struggle: The tension or antagonism which exists in society due to competing socioeconomic interests and desires between people of different classes
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