Factory system

Definition

The factory system is a method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the concentration of production processes in a single location using mechanized equipment and organized labor. This system replaced traditional handcrafting methods and enabled mass production, significantly increasing efficiency and output. As factories became central to economic activity, they also transformed labor practices and urban development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The factory system led to the rise of urban centers as workers flocked to cities for jobs, drastically changing population distribution.
2. Factories employed large numbers of workers, including women and children, often in harsh conditions with long hours and low pay.
3. This system enabled the use of specialized machinery that increased production rates and reduced costs per unit.
4. The factory system contributed to the standardization of products, as items could be produced in large quantities with consistent quality.
5. The shift to the factory system had significant social implications, including the rise of a working class and changes in family structures as work became separated from home.

Review Questions

• How did the factory system change labor practices during the Industrial Revolution?
  • The factory system changed labor practices by introducing a structured environment where workers performed specialized tasks rather than engaging in varied handcrafting at home. This division of labor allowed for greater efficiency and higher output. Additionally, the factory environment created a more regulated work schedule and working conditions, leading to both positive changes in productivity and negative consequences like poor working conditions.
• Discuss the social impact of the factory system on urban development and family life during the Industrial Revolution.
  • The factory system had a profound social impact, leading to rapid urbanization as people moved to cities for work opportunities. This migration altered family life as members often had to work in factories instead of at home, which shifted traditional family roles. Children were also employed in factories, which changed childhood experiences and education levels, while contributing to the development of a distinct working class.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the factory system on economic structures and labor rights movements.
  • The factory system set the foundation for modern industrial economies by establishing mass production techniques that increased efficiency and output. However, it also sparked early labor rights movements as workers began to organize for better conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours. Over time, this led to significant changes in labor laws and regulations, reflecting a shift towards recognizing workers' rights and improving workplace safety standards that continue to evolve today.

Related terms

Industrialization: The process of transforming economies from primarily agricultural to industrial, involving the growth of factories and mass production.

Division of Labor:

The separation of tasks in a production process so that each worker performs a specific function, leading to increased efficiency.

Urbanization:

The movement of populations from rural areas to cities, often driven by the job opportunities created by factories.