Which term did Karl Marx use to refer to the working class in a capitalist society?

Karl Marx used the term 'proletariat' to refer to the working class in a capitalist society. The proletariat comprises individuals who do not own the means of production and instead sell their labor to those who do. This term is central to Marx's analysis of capitalism, where he contrasts the proletariat with the 'bourgeoisie,' the class that owns the means of production and profits from the labor of the proletariat.

Marx argued that the relationship between these two classes is fundamentally exploitative. The proletariat, being reliant on wages for their survival, is seen as being at a disadvantage compared to the bourgeoisie, who accumulate wealth and power through the exploitation of labor. This class struggle is a central theme in Marxist theory, as he believed that the tensions and conflicts between these two groups would ultimately lead to social change and the potential rise of a classless society. Understanding the dynamics of the proletariat within capitalism is crucial for grasping Marx's critique of economic systems and social structures.