Class consciousness - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Class consciousness: a concept as elusive as it is powerful, refers to the self-awareness of a social class regarding their common interests and their position within the structure of society. Often misconstrued as mere political alignment or socioeconomic status, it represents a profound understanding of shared exploitation and the necessity for collective action to dismantle existing power dynamics.
Though the explicit term gained prominence later, seeds of class consciousness can be traced back to the social upheavals accompanying industrialization. Notably, reflections mirroring this concept appeared in correspondence and pamphlets circulating during the English Peasant Revolt of 1381. The revolt took place in response to changing economic conditions and harsh tax laws, with the conditions prompting questions about the existing feudal norms of the kingdom.
The concept solidified with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, particularly in The Communist Manifesto (1848), where they argued that the proletariat (working class) must develop this awareness to overthrow the bourgeoisie (capitalist class). Yet, as interpretations of Marxism fractured in the 20th century, so too did understandings of class consciousness. Figures like Georg Lukács stressed the role of the vanguard party in instilling an awareness the proletariat could not achieve on its own, while others focused on the lived experiences of workers as the foundation for their awakening. This divergence is fascinating, considering that one of the primary tenets of Marxist thought is that the working class should be empowered to self-determine their own circumstances.
Today, the relevance of class consciousness continues to be debated. Is it obsolete in an era of globalization and fragmented identities? Or does it manifest in new forms, uniting precarious workers across borders in struggles against corporate power? As long as inequalities persist, it invites us to consider: How does our understanding of our place within society shape our capacity for change?