class struggle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, academic, political, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “class struggle” mean?
The conflict and opposition between social classes, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), arising from competing economic and social interests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The conflict and opposition between social classes, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), arising from competing economic and social interests.
More broadly, any systemic conflict between different socioeconomic groups over the distribution of wealth, power, and resources within a society, not limited to Marxist theory. Can also refer to ongoing tensions or ideological debates about social inequality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept may be referenced slightly more frequently in UK political discourse due to historical Labour Party connections.
Connotations
In both varieties, primary connotations are political and theoretical. In general discourse, can sometimes carry a slight connotation of being an outdated or overly ideological concept.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation; moderate in academic political science, sociology, and history texts.
Grammar
How to Use “class struggle” in a Sentence
The class struggle between X and Yclass struggle over Zclass struggle in [country/period]a history/theory of class struggleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “class struggle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The workers were struggling against the class system.
- Historians debate how the classes have struggled throughout the centuries.
American English
- The movement aimed to make the classes struggle for their rights.
- They discussed how economic policies can cause classes to struggle.
adverb
British English
- The movement developed class-struggle consciously. (Rare, often hyphenated in this attributive use)
American English
- They organized class-struggle oriented campaigns. (Rare, often hyphenated in this attributive use)
adjective
British English
- A class-struggle perspective dominated the analysis.
- The party's class-struggle rhetoric appealed to its base.
American English
- He wrote from a class-struggle viewpoint.
- The film had a strong class-struggle theme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in analysis of labour relations or market disruptions from a sociological perspective.
Academic
Common in sociology, political science, history, and Marxist theory. Used as a key analytical concept.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, likely in political discussion or reference to inequality.
Technical
Core technical term in Marxist theory and some branches of sociology. Has a specific, defined meaning within that framework.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “class struggle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “class struggle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “class struggle”
- Using 'class fight' or 'class battle' as direct synonyms in formal writing (they are less idiomatic). Confusing it with simple 'competition' or 'rivalry', missing the systemic, group-based nature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While it is central to Marxist theory, the term is used more broadly in sociology and political science to describe any systemic conflict between socioeconomic groups.
Yes, it is used by analysts and commentators to describe contemporary issues like wealth inequality, executive-worker pay gaps, and access to education and healthcare.
'Class warfare' is a more polemical and aggressive term, often implying a conscious, active campaign. 'Class struggle' is the more standard academic term describing an inherent, structural condition of conflict.
No. In theory, it encompasses all forms of conflict, including political, ideological, and economic (e.g., strikes, lobbying, legal battles), not just physical violence.
The conflict and opposition between social classes, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), arising from competing economic and social interests.
Class struggle is usually formal, academic, political, journalistic. in register.
Class struggle: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɑːs ˈstrʌɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklæs ˈstrʌɡ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The engine of history (Marxist context referring to class struggle)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'tug-of-war' between a group in suits (the upper class) and a group in work clothes (the working class), both struggling over a rope labelled 'wealth and power'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A BATTLEFIELD (Classes are armies in conflict). ECONOMICS IS WAR.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym to 'class struggle' in a Marxist theoretical context?