What is what does bourgeoisie means?

The bourgeoisie is a social class that emerged during the rise of capitalism in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The bourgeoisie refers to the middle class made up of property-owning merchants, industrialists, and professionals who controlled the means of production and distribution. These individuals were often educated and had access to resources that enabled them to accumulate wealth and power. They were seen as a driving force behind economic growth and political liberalization but were also criticized for their exploitation of workers and perpetuation of social inequalities. The term bourgeoisie is often used in Marxist theory to describe the capitalist ruling class and is often contrasted with the working class or proletariat.