väikeporvarid

Väikeporvarid, a term originating from Estonian, refers to the petty bourgeoisie or lower middle class. This social stratum typically occupies a position between the working class and the upper bourgeoisie. Historically, the term encompassed small shopkeepers, artisans, small landowners, and independent craftsmen who owned their means of production but did not employ a significant number of workers.

In Marxist theory, the petty bourgeoisie is seen as a class with ambivalent loyalties. They often aspire to join the ranks of the larger bourgeoisie but are also vulnerable to economic downturns that can push them into the proletariat. This precarious position can lead to a conservative outlook, a desire for stability, and sometimes a strong sense of national identity.

The concept of the "väikeporvarid" is often associated with a particular lifestyle and set of values, emphasizing thrift, hard work, respectability, and adherence to social norms. Their economic independence, though often limited, distinguishes them from wage laborers. As societies industrialize and economic structures change, the composition and influence of the petty bourgeoisie have evolved, with many of its traditional roles being absorbed by larger corporations or the service sector. The term continues to be used to describe a segment of society characterized by small-scale ownership and a desire for upward mobility.