arbeiderklassen

Arbeiderklassen, often translated as the working class, refers to a socioeconomic group characterized by manual labor or wage-earning employment, often in industrial or service sectors. Historically, the term gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution, when large numbers of people migrated from rural areas to urban centers to work in factories. This class was distinguished from the bourgeoisie, or capitalist class, which owned the means of production.

The concept of the arbeiderklassen is central to many sociological and political theories, particularly Marxism, which views the working class as the primary agent of social change. Members of the arbeiderklassen typically possess limited capital and rely on selling their labor power for a wage to survive. Their working conditions, hours, and compensation have been subjects of extensive debate and activism throughout history, leading to the formation of labor unions and the development of social welfare policies in many countries.

While the traditional image of the arbeiderklassen is often associated with manual labor, contemporary understandings encompass a broader range of occupations, including those in retail, healthcare, and administrative support, where individuals are primarily wage-earners. The economic and social standing of the arbeiderklassen can vary significantly depending on the specific country, its economic structure, and its social policies.