Chapter 4 · Question 4
Describe the condition of workers in the age of industrialisation.
Answer
Direct Answer
Workers faced long hours, low wages, seasonal employment, job insecurity, and strict discipline. Many migrants depended on networks from their villages to find work, while women and children were often paid less.
Simple Explanation
Workers endured long hours, low wages, seasonal unemployment, harsh discipline, and job insecurity. Women and children were paid even less, and migrants relied on village networks for jobs.
Exam-Ready Structure
The condition of workers during the age of industrialisation was generally harsh:
• Working hours were long, often 12-16 hours a day, with few breaks or holidays.
• Wages were low and barely enough for survival, with additional deductions for fines or poor work.
• Employment was highly seasonal — many workers were laid off during slack periods and struggled to survive.
• Job insecurity was widespread; workers could be dismissed at any time without notice or compensation.
• Factory discipline was strict, with rules, fines, and harsh supervision.
• Women and children were paid lower wages than men for the same work and were preferred by some employers precisely because they were cheaper.
• Many workers were migrants who found jobs through village and caste networks rather than through formal employment channels.
Key Points
- Workers faced long hours, low wages, seasonal employment, job insecurity, and strict discipline.
- Many migrants depended on networks from their villages to find work, while women and children were often paid less.