Industrialization-What was the cost?

The Industrial Revolution proved to be a time of great change for society.  The introduction of technology and factories proved to be a time for social change, both positive and negative. As technology made vast improvements to mass production, the quality of life had devastating effects for the poor. More people moved to the city for better opportunities and a chance to leave their agrarian life in pursuit of better pay and better lifestyle. However, this became the opposite for some. The Industrial Revolution brought an abundance of social issues. Such issues concerned, women and children working long hours, mistreatment of workers, poor working conditions and even lower living conditions. As a mass society developed, the preparation for city living did not accommodate the needs and welfare of the people. Poor sewage, poor drinking water and disease were rampant in cities. In addition, the social standard of living and familial structure changed. As state in in The Industrial Landscape; “The “factory girl” became a focus for fears about promiscuity and the undermining of the family structure.”(p.487).

Much like any era, the Industrial Revolution had its critics who where opposed and for a burgeoning - industrial modern world.  Thomas Macaulay’s response to Robert Southey’s Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society (1829) examines the “for” side to an industrial world. “”We see the wealth of nations increasing, and all the arts of life approaching nearer and nearer to perfection, in spite of the grossest corruption…” (p.492). Macaulay saw the industrialization of society as a natural and necessary progression for the advancement of society. However the dire effects of industrialization of society may appear, people were still getting rich and living better.  In his opinion, the ills of society would not make or break a society, but rather make them better; “A single breaker may recede; but the tide is evidently coming in.” (p492). His remarks lend itself to the idea life will still goes and progression will eventually happen.  Macaulay also states in his review of Southey’s piece; “Our rulers will best promote the improvement of the nation by confining themselves to their own legitimate duties….defending property, by diminishing the price of law…Let the Government do this: the people will assuredly do the rest.” (p.493). Macaulay feels that government would do best if they worried about things that will help advance and build society and the people will eventually fall into place and do what need to be done for their situations.

The Industrial Revolution reminded me that certain ideologies and social problems are century years old. What I have come to know about social problems existed before I was even born and learned that they would affect me somehow. I see the Industrial Revolution as having its pros and cons. The need for a better life and technology was necessary (I would be writing this on a tablet instead of a computer if technology hadn’t progressed!). However, it comes with a cost. Women and children are still the target of ill treatment. I do believe that the family structure and safety of both have and has been affected tremendously since the Industrial Revolution. I grew up in a time where it was better (economically and structurally) for my mother to be at home. Of course, when she did work, she chose something she could do at home in order to care for my siblings and myself. I digress. The problems of the Industrial Revolution would have existed even if women and children were not put to work. The problems existed in the inhumane conditions and the blatant disregard for people’s lives. England (nor America) was prepared for a mass society. They were not prepared for housing, education, mass consumption (water and space). Money and making money took precedence at the expense of people’s live. In 2011, technology has made vast improvement to the quality of life. Again, I have to consider “At what cost?”