Q. The term proletarianisation refers to which of the following?
Answer:
Becoming reduced to the rank of the working class
Notes: Proletarianisation literally means to become impoverished to the level of working classes.The economic crisis in the aftermath of the 'Great Depression' created deep anxieties in people. The middle classes, especially salaried employees and pensioners, saw their savings diminish when the currency lost its value. Small businessmen, the self-employed and retailers suffered as their businesses got ruined. These sections of society were filled with the fear of proletarianisation, an anxiety of being reduced to the ranks of the working class, or worse still, the unemployed. Only organised workers could manage to keep their heads above water, but unemployment weakened their bargaining power. So, option ‘c’ is the correct answer.