What describes the proletariat in a capitalist society?

The description of the proletariat in a capitalist society refers specifically to those individuals who do not own the means of production, such as businesses or factories, and must sell their labor to earn a living. This concept originates from Marxist theory, which emphasizes the relationship between two primary classes in capitalism: the proletariat (workers) and the bourgeoisie (owners). The proletariat is characterized by its reliance on wages from their labor as the only means to sustain themselves and their families.

In this context, the other groups mentioned in the options do not fit the definition of the proletariat. Owners of businesses and factories represent the bourgeoisie, who possess capital and resources necessary for production, while individuals with significant wealth and resources typically have financial independence and do not rely on selling their labor. The elite who control political power are often interconnected with the bourgeoisie class, but they are described by their political influence rather than their economic position in the labor market. Therefore, the correct characterization of the proletariat within a capitalist framework is indeed those who must sell their labor to survive, highlighting the class struggle that is central to Marxist thought in sociological analysis.