Tööklassi

Tööklassi, a term derived from Estonian, generally refers to the working class, a social group whose primary means of subsistence comes from manual labor or wage-earning employment. This classification historically emerged with industrialization, distinguishing individuals who sold their labor for wages from those who owned the means of production, such as factory owners or capitalists.

The characteristics of the tööklassi can vary significantly depending on economic and social contexts. Typically, members of the working class are employed in occupations that require physical exertion or are part of a larger production or service chain. These roles often involve lower levels of formal education and may offer less job security and fewer benefits compared to professional or managerial positions.

Historically, the concept of the tööklassi has been central to sociological and political discourse, particularly in the context of class struggle and the development of labor movements. While the precise definition and the composition of the working class have evolved with deindustrialization and the rise of the service economy, the term continues to denote individuals whose economic well-being is closely tied to their employment in non-managerial, often manual, roles. The socio-economic challenges faced by the tööklassi, such as wage stagnation, precarious employment, and access to essential services, remain subjects of ongoing debate and policy consideration.