What term describes the class of workers who do not own the means of production in Marxist theory?

In Marxist theory, the term that describes the class of workers who do not own the means of production is the proletariat. This group consists of working-class individuals who sell their labor to survive, as they do not have ownership or control over the resources and tools necessary for production.

The concept is central to Marxist thought, as it highlights the economic dichotomy between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie—the owners of the means of production. The proletariat's lack of ownership leads to their exploitation and alienation within the capitalist system, as they must work for wages and cannot directly benefit from the products of their labor as the bourgeoisie do. This class struggle is a foundational idea in Marxism, illustrating the conflict between those who control capital and those who provide labor.

Understanding the characteristics and struggles of the proletariat is crucial for comprehending Marx’s critique of capitalism and his vision for a classless society.