Which term refers to the social class that owns the means of production?

Which term refers to the social class that owns the means of production?

• A. Capitalism
• B. Bourgeoisie
• C. Privileged groups
• D. Institutional racism

Answer: (B)

Owning the means of production defines who holds economic power in a capitalist society. In Marxist terms, the means of production are the factories, land, and capital used to produce goods. The social class that owns and controls these assets is the bourgeoisie, because they accumulate profit from the production process and decide how resources are used. This ownership puts them in a position to shape the economy and politics. Capitalism describes the economic system where private owners control production, but it’s not the name for the class itself. Privileged groups is a vague label that doesn’t specify ownership of production, and institutional racism refers to systemic discrimination within institutions, not to who owns production assets.

Owning the means of production defines who holds economic power in a capitalist society. In Marxist terms, the means of production are the factories, land, and capital used to produce goods. The social class that owns and controls these assets is the bourgeoisie, because they accumulate profit from the production process and decide how resources are used. This ownership puts them in a position to shape the economy and politics.

Capitalism describes the economic system where private owners control production, but it’s not the name for the class itself. Privileged groups is a vague label that doesn’t specify ownership of production, and institutional racism refers to systemic discrimination within institutions, not to who owns production assets.