töölis

Töölis is a term historically used in Finland to refer to a manual laborer or a member of the working class. The word originates from the Finnish word "työ," meaning work, and the suffix "-lis" which denotes a person associated with that activity. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Finland industrialized, the töölis population grew significantly. This class often faced challenging working conditions, long hours, and low wages.

The social and political landscape of Finland was heavily influenced by the töölis. They were a key constituency for emerging socialist movements and played a role in the development of labor unions and workers' rights organizations. The concept of the töölis is closely tied to the broader historical narratives of class struggle and the rise of social democracy in Finland. While the term itself is less commonly used in contemporary Finnish society, the legacy and societal impact of the töölis class remain important aspects of Finnish history and cultural identity. The term can sometimes carry connotations of resilience and collective action.