Working class

Definition

The working class refers to a social group consisting of people who are employed in low-paying jobs, often in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and service. This group is typically characterized by limited economic resources and a lack of access to higher education or professional opportunities, leading to a distinct lifestyle and set of challenges. The struggles and experiences of the working class during this time are crucial for understanding the broader political, social, and economic landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The working class in the Victorian era emerged largely due to the Industrial Revolution, which shifted economies from agrarian to industrial and increased urbanization.
2. Working-class individuals often faced harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages in factories and mines, resulting in widespread poverty and exploitation.
3. Child labor was prevalent among the working class during this period, with children as young as five or six working in dangerous environments to support their families.
4. The Victorian working class began to organize into labor unions during this time as a response to their poor conditions, fighting for improved rights and protections.
5. Social reform movements gained momentum during the Victorian era, addressing issues faced by the working class such as housing, health care, and education.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence the development of the working class during the Victorian era?
  • The Industrial Revolution drastically changed economies from farming-based to industry-driven, which led to the growth of cities as people migrated for factory jobs. This shift created a distinct working class composed of individuals who labored in factories under poor conditions. As industries expanded rapidly, the demand for labor surged, further solidifying the socioeconomic divide between the working class and the middle or upper classes.
• In what ways did the labor movement impact the rights and conditions of the working class in Victorian society?
  • The labor movement played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the working class during the Victorian era. Workers began organizing into unions to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. This activism led to significant reforms such as shorter work hours and regulations against child labor, ultimately improving the quality of life for many within this social group.
• Evaluate how literature from the Victorian era reflected the experiences and struggles of the working class.
  • Victorian literature often highlighted the stark realities faced by the working class through various narratives that depicted their struggles with poverty, exploitation, and social injustice. Authors like Charles Dickens brought attention to these issues by creating relatable characters who embodied these hardships. By addressing themes such as child labor and social inequality, Victorian writers contributed to raising awareness about working-class conditions and inspired calls for reform within society.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of rapid industrial growth that began in the late 18th century, leading to the rise of factories and significant changes in labor practices.

Proletariat: The term used in Marxist theory to describe the working class, particularly those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Labor Movement: A collective effort by workers to improve their rights and conditions, often through unions and strikes, advocating for better wages, hours, and working conditions.