Definition

Noun: - The social class lowest in the social hierarchy: This term refers to the group of people in a society who typically have the lowest income, the least education, and the least political power. They are often employed in manual or unskilled labor.

Usage

The term "lower class" is used to describe a socioeconomic group within a societal structure. It is often used in sociological, economic, and political discussions. - It functions as a countable noun, often preceded by "the" (e.g., the lower class). - It can be used attributively before another noun (e.g., lower-class families).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Government policies often fail to address the needs of the lower class.
  • Many social programs are designed to provide assistance to the lower class.
  • The study examined health disparities between the lower class and the upper class.

Advanced Usage

• "the lower classes" (plural): Used to refer to the collective groups of people belonging to this social stratum, especially in historical or broad societal contexts.
  • The industrial revolution dramatically changed the lives of the lower classes.

Variants and Related Words

• Lower-class (adjective): Describing someone or something as belonging to or characteristic of the lower class.
  • He grew up in a lower-class neighborhood.
• Working class: A related but distinct term that often refers to people employed in manual or industrial work, which may overlap with but is not always synonymous with "lower class."
• Underclass: A more specific term referring to a segment of the lower class that is persistently disadvantaged, often unemployed, and socially marginalized.

Synonyms

• Proletariat (especially in Marxist theory): The class of workers who do not own the means of production.
• The poor: A general term for people lacking sufficient money or material possessions.
• The disadvantaged: Groups facing unfavorable social or economic conditions.

Antonyms

• Upper class: The social class with the highest status and wealth in a society.
• Middle class: The social class between the upper and lower classes, typically including businesspeople, professionals, and their families.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To be born into the lower class": To have a family background in this social stratum.
  • Despite being born into the lower class, she worked hard to become a successful entrepreneur.

Noun

1. the social class lowest in the social hierarchy