A rural economy gave way to one dominated by industry and machine production throughout the Industrial Revolution.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain experienced the start of the industrial revolution, which then extended to other countries around the world (Newton, 2017). Not only technological and cultural advancements, but also social and economic shifts, characterized the industrial revolution.
The emergence of the industrial manufacturing system
The emergence of the industrial manufacturing system, which quickly superseded the domestic system, caused changes in the work organization in many countries (Goloboy, 2008). The introduction of the factory system affected the work structure in many ways such as it led division of labor as well as specialization of function. It also led to the invention and application of machinery; hence, mechanization of the entire manufacturing process which replaced the use of hand tools and simple machinery used previously (Goloboy, 2008). Other changes included the introduction of interchangeable parts, previously, products being manufactured were assembled from multiple components; individually shaped by a worker to fit other parts. However, with the new system parts of product were machined to what can be termed as precise specifications; thus parts of the same design could easily be substituted for one another which led to mass production.
Effects on Workers and Families
The industrial revolution had both positive and negative consequences for the workers and families. One of the positive impacts was that it improved living conditions for many people and eased the manufacturing; hence production process (Newton, 2017). Moreover, workers acquired new and distinct skills, and as a result, they graduated from being craftsmen working with simple hand tools to machine operators.
Despite the positive effects, some of the negative effects included, poor and dangerous working conditions and low wages for the workers which translated into poor living conditions for them and their facilities as they were unable to afford basic commodities (Newton, 2017). Moreover, workers worked for long hours under strict supervision with children being included in the labor force where they were forced to undertake hazardous tasks which included cleaning the machinery. Additionally, due to industrialization urban centers also experienced an influx of workers from the rural areas which resulted in overcrowded, inadequate as well as polluted housing inclusive of unsanitary living conditions where incidences of diseases were rampant (Goloboy, 2008).
Changes to the Modern Workplaces and Career Options
Conclusively, some of the changes that have occurred in modern workplaces over the decades include increased application of artificial intelligence. As a result of automation many manual workers have in, turn been affected as robots in factories have become not only mobile but also versatile, efficient and affordable as compared to human labor, hence, huge mass un-employment levels (Heerwagen, 2016). Technological advancements have also contributed to the globalization of businesses as workplaces are now able to conduct business transactions customers from various parts of the world. Moreover, technology has also enabled workers to work from their homes, on the road, among other places which were unheard of during the industrialization process. Moreover, current career options are also different from those from a few decades ago, today most of the career options option present require digital skills. In the contemporary world, it is longer an option for one to be computer-literate, it is, therefore, a requirement to survive in the tech-based world. Moreover, career options in computer science and technology unlike decades ago, today they are ultimately among the top careers.
References
Goloboy, J.L. (2008). Industrial Revolution: People and Perspectives. ABC-CLIO.
The Changing Nature of Organizations, Work, and Workplace.
Heerwagen, J. (2016). The Changing Nature of Organizations, Work, and Workplace. Retrieved From: https://www.wbdg.org/resources/changing-nature-organizations-work-and-workplace
Newton. E. D. (2017). Industrial Revolution – Effects of the Industrial Revolution. Retrieved From: http://science.jrank.org/pages/3574/Industrial-Revolution-Effects-Industrial-Revolution. Html
