Petite bourgeoisie
The petite bourgeoisie,[a] also known as the petty bourgeoisie, is a sub-stratum of the bourgeoisie which, although possessing small amounts of means of production, directly operate it themselves and do not primarily subsist off exploitation of hired laborers. The petite bourgeoisie are the most numerous grouping of the bourgeoisie as well as the oldest. They emerged from craftsman, artisans, and small traders and other small, independent producers during the early stage of capitalist development, before competition and consolidation resulted in the haute bourgeoisie developing.
The petite bourgeois are conflicted in their class interests, sharing both characteristics of the proletariat and large bourgeoisie. The petite bourgeoisie are in an unstable class position and constantly risk becoming proletarians due to regular economic crisis and competition from larger capitalists, often resulting in a tendency for them to support reactionary movements which promise the end to the hardships of monopoly capitalism without the abolition of private property.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ English usage of "petite bourgeoisie". Wiktionary.
- ↑ Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (1848). Manifesto of the Communist Party, Chapter III. Socialist and Communist Literature, "Petty-Bourgeois Socialism". Available on the Marxists Internet Archive.