Are members of the poor working class proletariat?

Yes, members of the poor working class are typically considered to be part of the proletariat, a term used in Marxist theory to refer to the working class or lower class in a capitalist society. The proletariat is often contrasted with the bourgeoisie, which refers to the upper or capitalist class. In Marxist theory, the working class is seen as being exploited by the capitalist class, and as having the potential to overthrow capitalism and establish a communist or socialist society.