The Industrial Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Industrial Revolution - Essay Example The changes were far from beneficial for the working class who did not see an increase in their standard of living during the Industrial Revolution, but instead traded health, dignity, and emotional well being for a small increase in disposable income. The topic of the working class during this period has been one that has been widely and often debated. It can stir up highly charged emotions among historians and social scientists. While some arguments center on amelioration, others are more pessimistic in their viewpoint. The debate has become more interesting as the issues are applied to the global economy and the developing world of today. During this period of development in England, large numbers of the population were relocated from a self-sufficient agricultural economy to an urban factory setting. To entice the workers to move, an economic advantage, either real or perceived was necessary. Higher wages would be offered than could be realized from farm labor. However, the worker would trade social and environmental amenities for the higher pay. It is hypothesized that based on this trade of well being for wages, we can expect to find that when wages increased, living conditions were the poorest. Likewise, based on free market theory, the higher wages would initially create increased demand for products and higher prices. However, as production reached economies of scale, the market would reach equilibrium and result in modest financial rewards for the working class. Because standard of living denotes well being, it does not lend itself to mathematical evaluation. Much of it is qualitative and subjective. Often, even quantitative data from this period is subject to debate about its meaning and credibility. The data will be analyzed through a lens of objectivity and attempt to describe a condition as better or worse. Data such as wages and costs will be reported in real terms and consumption will be analyzed for quality of content. Definition of Terms For the purpose of this research the Industrial Revolution is defined as the period of 1770 to 1849. The research will consider the standard of living of the working class during this period. The post 1849 years will be evaluated and used for comparison where appropriate. This is consistent with many historians who consider the post 1849 period to be the Second Industrial Revolution. Graphical data will be presented for the years 1794 - 1849, the period that credible data is available. This 50-year period is an adequate representation of the major economic movements for the period. One of the overriding difficulties in approaching this topic is defining standard of living. Standard of living is comprised of several different attributes that may be material, emotional, or a combination of both. Standard of living includes wages and the amount of products consumed. It includes both necessities and luxury items. Standard of living considers the working conditions and the safety of the occupation. It also includes living conditions, the environment, and the health of the household. It further includes infant mortality and life span. As a measure of progress with respect to standard of living it will also evaluate education and literacy. This multitude of characteristics will combine to give a more complete picture of the standard