First, briefly explain the Industrial Revolution’s impact on the birth of sociology. Discuss the role that this era played in the development of sociology while applying sociological concepts to your discussion.

Question

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Answer 1

A period of enormous change that began in England in the eighteenth century. The term “Industrial Revolution” refers to the application of power-driven machinery to agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. Although industrialization began in remote times and continues today, this process completely transformed Europe in the eighteenth century. It turned Europe from a predominantly agricultural to a predominantly industrial society. It not only radically altered how goods were produced and distributed, but galvanized the system of capitalism as well. Specifically, large numbers of people left farms and agricultural work to become wage earners in factories in the rapidly growing cities. At the same time, factories were transformed by a long series of technological changes. Ever-more efficient machines were adopted, and tasks were routinized. However, this rise in efficiency came at a tremendous human cost. Mechanized production reduced both the number of jobs available and the technical skills needed for work in the factory. A few profited enormously, but most worked long hours for low wages. Accidents were frequent and often quite serious. Workers were harshly punished and their wages were docked for the slightest mistakes. Women and children worked alongside men in noisy, unsafe conditions. Most factories were dirty, poorly ventilated and lit, and dangerous.