Bourgeoisie
Bourgeoisie is a term used in classical Marxism for the social class that controls the means of production. In opposition to the proletariat class, who earn income from the sale of their labor, the bourgeoisie class generates income through the processes of capital. It is essentially a mercantilist class.
In its wider sense it means those of the middle class, originally neither aristocratic nor peasant and was the French equivalent of Burgess (English) or Burgher (German). All were citizens or freemen of the medieval burgh or town from whence we get the modern "Borough".
Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter said, "without protection by some non-bourgeois group, the bourgeoisie is politically helpless and unable not only to lead its nation but even to take care of its particular class interests. Which amounts to saying that it needs a master." (p. 138)
See also