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Glite Dictionary
proletarization

proletarization

9.8
A process where people lose land or skills and become paid workers
  • noun
  • /ˌproʊlɪˌtɛrɪˈzeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : proletarización
  • The proletarization of many skilled workers led to a significant shift in the labor market.

Examples

  • This relative deprivation could become both the objective basis for proletarization and the starting point for the growth of class consciousness on a subjective level.

    Academic text (1993)

  • As automation increased, the proletarization of the middle class became evident, with many losing their independence.

  • Proletarization often occurs in developing nations as agricultural workers move to cities for wage labor.

Synonyms

proletarianization
vsproletarization
  • Specialized
9.9

A change where people lose property or status and become paid workers

focuses on losing property or skills and becoming wage earners

Antonyms

independence
608 3.0

Freedom from control by others, for example when a country is free or a person supports themselves

empowerment
49 3.9

The process of becoming stronger, more confident, and able to make choices

How Proletarian

wage earner
14 2.8
proletarization
  • Specialized
9.8
small businessman
  • Canadian
11 2.8

Surface Forms

proletarization singular
proletarizations plural

Morphology

proletarization = proletarize (semi-transparent) = proletar + ization

The word is built from a technical verb meaning 'to make proletarian' plus a standard noun-forming suffix, but the bound stem is not a common standalone word and the social meaning is specialized.

Etymology

The word proletarization comes from proletariat, which means 'the working class', and the ending -ization, meaning 'the process of becoming'. So proletarization is the process of people becoming wage earners or part of the working class.