Proletariat in modern social stratification: a new dangerous formation Proletariat (from English precarious — unstable, risky) is an emerging social class characterized by unstable employment, lack of social guarantees and professional identity, as well as political and legal vulnerability. Unlike the traditional proletariat, the proletariat has a more complex structure and specific consciousness, making it a key actor and challenge for modern stratification. Genesis and theoretical understanding The concept of the proletariat has been actively developed since the early 2000s, most fully represented in the works of British sociologist Gaya Standing ("The Proletariat: A New Dangerous Class", 2011). Standing considers the proletariat as a result of neoliberal reforms ("global transformation of labor markets"), including: De-regulation of labor relations (weakening of protection against dismissals). Individualization of labor contracts. Active state support for the flexibility of the labor market. The proletariat is not a synonym for "poor" or "unemployed". It is a class of people whose labor is systematically devoid of stability, guarantees, and prospects for growth. It is located between the traditional working class (stable employment + social rights) and lumpenized groups. Structure and composition: diverse unity The proletariat is internally diverse, which makes its self-identification difficult, but it is united by common features. It includes: Platform (gig-) economy workers: Couriers, taxi drivers, freelancers on exchanges. Their employment is regulated by algorithmic management, not a labor contract. Example: an Uber driver, whose income depends on dynamic pricing and rating, does not have paid sick leave or vacation. Employees with non-standard employment: Temporary, seasonal workers, working under short-term contracts (outsourcing, staffing). Young specialists with higher education ("educated proletarians"). Forced to agree to internships, projects without g ... Read more