Töölisteklass

Töölisteklass, or the working class, refers to the social group consisting of people who are employed for wages, especially in manual or industrial work. Historically, this term emerged with the Industrial Revolution, as large numbers of people moved from agricultural labor to factory work. Members of the working class typically own little to no capital or means of production, relying instead on their labor power to earn a living. Their economic situation often places them in contrast to the bourgeoisie, or capitalist class, who own and control the means of production.

The concept of the working class is central to many sociological and economic theories, most notably Marxism, which views the history of society as a struggle between different classes, with the working class playing a pivotal role in social change. However, the definition and characteristics of the working class have evolved over time. In contemporary societies, the term can encompass a broader range of occupations beyond traditional manual labor, including service sector jobs. The economic security, working conditions, and social mobility of the working class remain subjects of ongoing debate and analysis.