Työväenliike

Työväenliike refers to the historical and ongoing organized efforts of working-class people to improve their social, economic, and political conditions. It encompasses a broad range of movements, organizations, and ideologies that emerged primarily during the Industrial Revolution as a response to the perceived injustices and inequalities faced by laborers. Key components of the työväenliike include labor unions, socialist and communist political parties, cooperatives, and various social reform groups.

The primary goals of the työväenliike have historically been to secure better wages, shorter working hours, safer working conditions, and greater political representation for the working class. It has advocated for policies such as the right to organize, collective bargaining, social security, and universal suffrage. Ideologically, the movement has been influenced by a variety of philosophies, most notably socialism, which emphasizes social ownership and democratic control of the means of production, and communism, which aims for a classless society.

Over time, the työväenliike has achieved significant successes in many parts of the world, leading to the establishment of labor laws, welfare states, and the recognition of workers' rights. While its form and influence have evolved with societal changes, the core principles of advocating for the rights and well-being of working people remain central to its identity. The movement continues to adapt to new economic realities, including globalization, technological advancements, and the changing nature of work.