Social Consequences of the Industrial Revolution.
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- Category: History: European
- Date Submitted: 09/01/2011 05:10 PM
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A. Justify your choice of the two most significant social consequences of the Industrial Revolution.
Prior to the time of the Industrial Revolution, when new technologies speed up the production of goods, most people relied on farming and skilled crafts to make their living. The machinery of factories replaced the time consuming handiwork of individuals. Large scale manufacturing was now possible and as a result changes in the demand for artisanal goods that people once relied on for their source of income forced many to work in factories, including women and young children. Because of this a large shift in society resulted and two significant consequences were the breakdown of the family unit and urbanization.
The work done before the age of factory industry allowed for a slower paced life where the family unit had more freedom for times of relaxation and family contact. Families shared in daily activities and work and women were often in the home tending to the nurturing of children. The Industrial Revolution brought on factory owners determined to make the most profit to employ mostly women and children who were easier to control. The long work hours, up to 18 a day, left very little time other endeavors not to mention a lack of time to educate children. Days consisted mostly of work and sleep (Gingerich, 2003).
In the book, Strengthening the family - Implications for International Development, contributor Marian F. Zeitlin, of the United Nations University describes the ,”…the presence of the modern family in the West was first documented in England in the mid-1600s”. She speaks of the early history of the western view of the family unit “The modern family evolved in concert with industrialization, science, and technology. With the growth of specialized wage labour, economically productive work moved beyond the reach of the family compound. Individualized remuneration and liability led to a redefinition of kinship obligations. The family that was...
Prior to the time of the Industrial Revolution, when new technologies speed up the production of goods, most people relied on farming and skilled crafts to make their living. The machinery of factories replaced the time consuming handiwork of individuals. Large scale manufacturing was now possible and as a result changes in the demand for artisanal goods that people once relied on for their source of income forced many to work in factories, including women and young children. Because of this a large shift in society resulted and two significant consequences were the breakdown of the family unit and urbanization.
The work done before the age of factory industry allowed for a slower paced life where the family unit had more freedom for times of relaxation and family contact. Families shared in daily activities and work and women were often in the home tending to the nurturing of children. The Industrial Revolution brought on factory owners determined to make the most profit to employ mostly women and children who were easier to control. The long work hours, up to 18 a day, left very little time other endeavors not to mention a lack of time to educate children. Days consisted mostly of work and sleep (Gingerich, 2003).
In the book, Strengthening the family - Implications for International Development, contributor Marian F. Zeitlin, of the United Nations University describes the ,”…the presence of the modern family in the West was first documented in England in the mid-1600s”. She speaks of the early history of the western view of the family unit “The modern family evolved in concert with industrialization, science, and technology. With the growth of specialized wage labour, economically productive work moved beyond the reach of the family compound. Individualized remuneration and liability led to a redefinition of kinship obligations. The family that was...