Bourgeoisie - GCSE Sociology Definition

The term 'bourgeoisie' refers to the social class that owns the means of production and is characterised by its wealth and power in capitalist societies.

In the context of GCSE Sociology, the bourgeoisie plays a central role in understanding class dynamics and the structure of society. This class sits at the top of the social hierarchy, often contrasted with the 'proletariat', which consists of the working class who sell their labour. The bourgeoisie benefits from the capitalist system as they own businesses, land, and resources, enabling them to generate profit and maintain control over economic and political systems.

Understanding the role of the bourgeoisie is crucial for analysing issues of inequality, power relations, and social change in sociology.