Introduction
Western industrialization had its socio-economic impacts in the 18th century. The industrialization evolution led to a change of social structures within the society (Armesto 31). During the 18th century, people lived in villages located in rural areas. An increase in rural-urban migration was evidenced during the industrialization era.
Individuals lived as farmers since agriculture was a predominant occupation. In this regard, subsistence farming was not an economic venture compared to recent times. Through industrialization, social structures that supported communism were altered by capitalistic ideologies. For example, people started to farm for economical gains. This led to establishments of factories that bought farm inputs and processed them for sale in market set-ups.
Body
Another social set-up that changed during the industrialization era was the conventional division of labor between men and women. Industrialization oversaw women and children get employed to address the rising demand of labor in factories (597). Industrialization in the 18th century led to adoption of mechanized farming as a new economic venture (629).
The establishment of textile factories and iron smelting were considered new economic gains. Moreover, a need to improve communication was evidenced by new modes of transport and communication technologies. Trading in goods and services became predominant, and trans-regional trading between nations was considered a norm.
Industrialization is credited for promoting democratic principles in the 18th century (682). The democratic principle of human rights to both women and children was established. In this regard, women became a significant factor in providing labor to new factories. In the 18th century, education became critical in supporting the new industrial mechanization developments. Education that focused on technology and mechanization became popular (621).
Formation of governments that either used capitalism and communism as democratic principles rapidly spread among nations. In this regard, civilized nations developed by sourcing labor from citizens. On the other hand, nations that embraced communism liberated the labor force through shared rewards among the community members. The industrialization era of the 18th century promoted political democracy in civilized countries. This led to the formation of political parties and democratically held elections (673).
Constitutionalism became an integral element in protection of civil liberties and an effective judicial system (673). Since the industrialization evolution in the 18th century, political decisions were made by the majority. However, protecting the rights of the minority was highly upheld and enforced through constitutional laws.
In the 18th century, industrialization inhibited the progress made in democratic principles and practices. Industrialization led to oppression of women and children rights. Women were forced to work long hours with minimal payment compared to men. Moreover, there were job positions considered a preserve of men only. Moreover, industrialization in the 18th century was unable to contain the oppression of the poor. The democratic principles and practices of capitalism led to inequality among citizens.
Governments were unable to protect the minority who got overworked by the dominant social groups. Industrialization hampered the well-being of individuals who were dependent on subsistence agriculture. The social status phenomenon allowed the wealthy to progress compared to the poor. Communism societies did not encourage full mechanization of socio-economical practices (734). Therefore, such societies progressed at a lower rate compared to capitalist nations.
Conclusion
The progression and development of modern and democratic societies was determined by the industrialization evolution. The 18th century industrial revolution was critical in the formation of modern societies. Democratic principles that led to the establishment of human rights, political parties and constitutionalism had both positive and negative impact on society.
Works Cited
Armesto, F. Felipe. The world: A brief history. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.