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The '''Lumpenproletariat''', alternatively called '''lumpenprole''' or '''lumpen''', refers to an unthinking underclass that is (but not always) exploitable by reactionary and counter-revolutionary forces. The term was coined by [[Karl Marx]] and [[Friedrich Engels]]. | The '''Lumpenproletariat''', alternatively called '''lumpenprole''' or '''lumpen''', refers to an unthinking underclass that is (but not always) exploitable by [[reactionary]] and [[Counterrevolution|counter-revolutionary]] forces. The term was coined by [[Karl Marx]] and [[Friedrich Engels]]. | ||
Marx defined the lumpenproletariat as a dangerous class and "passively rotting mass" thrown off the lowest layers of the old society.<ref>{{Citation|title=[[Communist Manifesto]]|author=[[Karl Marx]]|chapter=1|page=15|mia=https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch01.htm | Marx defined the lumpenproletariat as a dangerous class and "passively rotting mass" thrown off the lowest layers of the old society.<ref>{{Citation|title=[[Communist Manifesto]]|author=[[Karl Marx]]|chapter=1|page=15|mia=https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch01.htm | ||
|quote=The "dangerous class", [lumpenproletariat] the social scum, that passively rotting mass thrown off by the lowest layers of the old society, may, here and there, be swept into the movement by a proletarian revolution; its conditions of life, however, prepare it far more for the part of a bribed tool of reactionary intrigue.}}</ref> | |quote=The "dangerous class", [lumpenproletariat] the social scum, that passively rotting mass thrown off by the lowest layers of the old society, may, here and there, be swept into the movement by a proletarian revolution; its conditions of life, however, prepare it far more for the part of a bribed tool of reactionary intrigue.}}</ref> He and [[Vladimir Lenin]] dismissed the revolutionary potential of the lumpenproletariat. However, [[Mao Zedong|Mao]] believed that the lumpenproletariat could be revolutionary with the correct guidance.<ref>{{Citation|author=[[Mao Zedong]]|year=1926|title=Analysis of the Classes in Chinese Society|mia=https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-1/mswv1_1.htm}}</ref> | ||
He and [[Vladimir Lenin]] dismissed the revolutionary potential of the lumpenproletariat. | |||
== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
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=== Unemployed workers === | === Unemployed workers === | ||
Unemployed workers can turn into lumpenproletariats | [[Unemployment|Unemployed]] workers can turn into lumpenproletariats a result of being barred from employment by [[Bourgeoisie|capitalists]]. | ||
Unemployed workers typically consist of: | Unemployed workers typically consist of: | ||
* Blacklisted workers | * Blacklisted workers | ||
* Disabled persons | * [[Disability|Disabled]] persons | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Marxist terminology]] | [[Category:Marxist terminology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:48, 5 March 2023
The Lumpenproletariat, alternatively called lumpenprole or lumpen, refers to an unthinking underclass that is (but not always) exploitable by reactionary and counter-revolutionary forces. The term was coined by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Marx defined the lumpenproletariat as a dangerous class and "passively rotting mass" thrown off the lowest layers of the old society.[1] He and Vladimir Lenin dismissed the revolutionary potential of the lumpenproletariat. However, Mao believed that the lumpenproletariat could be revolutionary with the correct guidance.[2]
Etymology
Lumpen was a prefix for "rag"; therefore Lumpenproletariat literally means "rag proletariat".
Instances
- Prostitutes
- Criminals (tramps, vagabonds, homeless persons)
Unemployed workers
Unemployed workers can turn into lumpenproletariats a result of being barred from employment by capitalists.
Unemployed workers typically consist of:
- Blacklisted workers
- Disabled persons
References
- ↑ “The "dangerous class", [lumpenproletariat] the social scum, that passively rotting mass thrown off by the lowest layers of the old society, may, here and there, be swept into the movement by a proletarian revolution; its conditions of life, however, prepare it far more for the part of a bribed tool of reactionary intrigue.”
Karl Marx. Communist Manifesto: '1' (p. 15). [MIA] - ↑ Mao Zedong (1926). Analysis of the Classes in Chinese Society. [MIA]