The Ignorantsia: A Definition The term ignorantsia refers to those among the masses who lack political consciousness and hence are ignorant of their place within the matrix of hierarchic power relations that characterize all capitalist societies, as a consequence of which they engage in political behavior that fundamentally go against their objective interests and thereby help to strengthen the oppressive power of the ruling elites they should be opposed to. Click on the link below for a more detailed definition. The Ignorantsia