bourgeoisie
Definition
The bourgeoisie is the social class that emerged from the middle classes, whose wealth, interests, and lifestyle are centered around property ownership, capital, and control over production. They play a key role in capitalist societies as the owners of the means of production and employers of wage labor.
Analogy
If society were a game of chess, the bourgeoisie would be akin to the kings and queens who have strategic power and resources at their disposal to make significant moves, while the workers or proletariat represent the pawns that carry out the bulk of activities but have less control over the game's direction.
Related terms
Capitalism: An economic system where trade, industry, and the 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 lies in their ability to work; they do not own the means of production.
Means of Production: The facilities and resources for producing goods, including factories, land, and machinery, which in capitalist societies are owned by the bourgeoisie
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