Bourgeoisie vs. Bourgeois — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 24, 2023
"Bourgeoisie" refers to the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived values or materialism, while "bourgeois" can be an adjective describing something as middle-class or a noun referring to a middle-class person.
Difference Between Bourgeoisie and Bourgeois
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Key Differences
"Bourgeoisie" and "bourgeois" both originate from French, addressing concepts of class, specifically the middle class. The term "bourgeoisie" typically denotes the entire middle class as a collective, especially in historical or Marxist contexts. On the other hand, "bourgeois" can serve as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, "bourgeois" describes things pertaining to or characteristic of the middle class, often hinting at its conventional values or materialistic tendencies. When used as a noun, it refers to an individual of the middle class.
It's important to note the cultural implications both terms carry. "Bourgeoisie" often surfaces in socio-economic discourses, highlighting the class between the proletariat (working class) and the aristocracy or ruling elite. "Bourgeois" can sometimes bear a slightly pejorative tone, suggesting a person's preoccupation with material wealth or conventionalism.
The distinction between "bourgeoisie" and "bourgeois" lies primarily in their grammatical usage. The former refers broadly to a class group, while the latter zooms in on the characteristics or individuals of that group. The nuances of both terms have been shaped significantly by historical, economic, and cultural dialogues.
Comparison Chart
Type
Noun
Noun & Adjective
Refers to
The middle class as a whole.
An individual of the middle class or a characteristic of them.
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Historical Context
Often used in Marxist contexts.
Less specific to Marxist dialogues.
Connotation
Neutral, but can be critical in specific contexts.
Often neutral, but can be derogatory in some contexts.
Grammatical Use
Collective term for a class.
Descriptive or referring to an individual
Compare with Definitions
Bourgeoisie
The middle class of society.
The rise of the bourgeoisie was a major factor in the French Revolution.
Bourgeois
Relating to or characteristic of the middle class.
Her tastes were decidedly bourgeois.
Bourgeoisie
A social class traditionally made up of professionals, manufacturers, and merchants.
The bourgeoisie held considerable influence in 19th-century Europe.
Bourgeois
Holding values associated with materialism and conventionalism.
Some criticized him for his bourgeois aspirations.
Bourgeoisie
A class that stands between the proletariat and the elite in Marxist theory.
Marx believed the bourgeoisie controlled the means of production.
Bourgeois
Belonging to the middle class
Bourgeoisie
(historical) A class of citizens who were wealthier members of the third estate.
Bourgeois
A person of any class with bourgeois (i.e., overly conventional and materialistic) values and attitudes.
Bourgeoisie
Those who value material wealth and conventionalism.
The bourgeoisie often prioritized stability and financial security.
Bourgeois
A member of the middle class
Bourgeoisie
In Marxist theory, the social group opposed to the proletariat in the class struggle.
Bourgeois
(according to Marxist thought) being of the property-owning class and exploitive of the working class
Bourgeoisie
The capitalist class in Marxist contexts.
The struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat is central to Marxist theory.
Bourgeois
Lacking in artistic or intellectual qualities; banal.
Critics dismissed the painting as bourgeois.
Bourgeoisie
The Bourgeoisie (; French: [buʁʒwazi] (listen)) is a sociologically defined social class, equivalent to the middle or upper middle class. They are distinguished from, and traditionally contrasted with, the proletariat by their relative affluence, and their cultural and financial capital.
Bourgeois
A person belonging to the middle class.
Bourgeoisie
The middle class.
Bourgeois
A person whose attitudes and behavior are marked by conformity to the standards and conventions of the middle class.
Bourgeoisie
(Marxism) The capitalist class.
Bourgeois
In Marxist theory, a member of the property-owning class; a capitalist.
Bourgeoisie
The social class between the lower and upper classes
Bourgeois
Of, relating to, or typical of the middle class, especially in holding conventional attitudes and materialistic values.
Bourgeoisie
The French middle class, particularly such as are concerned in, or dependent on, trade.
Bourgeois
Of or relating to the middle class, their presumed overly conventional, conservative, and materialistic values.
Bourgeois opinion
Bourgeois
(historical) Of or relating to the bourgeoisie, the third estate of the French Ancien Regime.
Bourgeois
(Marxism) Of or relating to the capitalist class, the capitalist exploitation of the proletariat.
Bourgeois
The middle class.
Bourgeois
(rare) An individual member of the middle class.
Bourgeois
(history) An individual member of the bourgeoisie, the third estate of the French Ancien Regime.
Bourgeois
(Marxism) A capitalist, an exploiter of the proletariat.
Bourgeois
A size of type between brevier and long primer, standardized as 9-point.
Bourgeois
(transitive) To make bourgeois.
Bourgeois
A size of type between long primer and brevier. See Type.
Bourgeois
A man of middle rank in society; one of the shopkeeping class.
Bourgeois
Characteristic of the middle class, as in France.
Bourgeois
A capitalist who engages in industrial commercial enterprise
Bourgeois
Conforming to the standards and conventions of the middle class;
A bourgeois mentality
Bourgeois
Concerned primarily with property values and conventional respectability.
The novel critiqued bourgeois morality.
Common Curiosities
What does "bourgeoisie" primarily refer to?
"Bourgeoisie" primarily denotes the middle class, especially in socio-economic contexts.
Can "bourgeois" be both a noun and an adjective?
Yes, "bourgeois" can describe something as middle-class or refer to a middle-class person.
Can "bourgeois" be considered derogatory?
In some contexts, "bourgeois" can be derogatory, suggesting superficiality or materialism.
Where do the terms "bourgeoisie" and "bourgeois" originate?
Both terms have French origins and pertain to the concept of the middle class.
In Marxist theory, how is "bourgeoisie" viewed?
In Marxism, the "bourgeoisie" is seen as the capitalist class controlling the means of production.
Is "bourgeoisie" always used in a negative sense?
Not always, but it can be critical in specific Marxist or socio-political contexts.
Can "bourgeois" relate to tastes or preferences?
Yes, "bourgeois" can suggest tastes or values typical of the middle class, sometimes seen as mundane or conventional.
Are both terms restricted to historical or socio-political use?
While rooted in socio-political dialogues, the terms can be applied in various contexts, from everyday life to cultural critiques.
How do "bourgeoisie" and "bourgeois" differ in usage?
"Bourgeoisie" broadly refers to the middle class as a group, while "bourgeois" zooms in on individual characteristics or members.
Are there synonyms for these terms?
Yes, synonyms include "middle class" for "bourgeoisie" and "middle-class" or "conventional" for "bourgeois."
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
