Lumpenproletariat (Noun)
Meaning
(Marxism) the unorganized lower levels of the proletariat who are not interested in revolutionary advancement.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The lumpenproletariat, with their lack of class consciousness, were often more of a hindrance to the revolution than a help.
- In Marxist theory, the lumpenproletariat is seen as a threat to the unity and solidarity of the working class.
- The lumpenproletariat, often portrayed as lazy and apathetic, are depicted in Marxist literature as being easily swayed by reactionary ideologies.
- Karl Marx argued that the lumpenproletariat, or the "rabble," posed a significant challenge to the development of a coherent and organized working-class movement.
- The lumpenproletariat, characterized by their willingness to engage in opportunistic and self-destructive behavior, were viewed as a corrupting influence by many Marxist thinkers.