petit bourgeois
The term "petit bourgeois" originates from French and refers to a social class that includes small business owners and professionals who often have conservative values.
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Definition
C1Sociology
(formal, academic)A member of the lower middle class, often characterized by conservative or materialistic values.
Example
- His petit bourgeois attitudes made him resistant to social change.
- She was considered petit bourgeois due to her small business and traditional views.
C1Economics
(formal, academic)A small business owner or professional who works alongside their employees and owns the means of production.
Example
- The shopkeeper is a classic example of the petit bourgeois, managing the store while also serving customers.
- Artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs are often classified as petit bourgeois.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "petit bourgeois":
petite bourgeoisiemiddle classnouveau richenouveau pauvreupper middle classbien pensant