Why could mechanical technology not replace human labour in victorian britain explain?
Answers
Answer:
(i) In Victorian Britain, there was no shortage of human labor, so industrialists had no problem with labor shortage or high wage costs. They did not want to introduce machines that got rid of human labor and required large capital investment.
(ii) In many industries the demand for labor was seasonal. Gasworks and breweries were especially busy through the cold months. So they needed more workers to meet their peak demand. Bookbinders and printers, catering to X-mas demand, too needed extra hands before December.
(iii) A range of products could be produced only with hand labor. Machines were oriented to produce uniformly standardized goods for a mass market. But
the demand in the market was often for goods with intricate designs and specific shapes.
(iv) The aristocrats and bourgeoisie preferred things produced by hand in Victorian Britain. Hand-made products came to symbolize refinement and class.
(v) Hand-made products were better finished, individually produced and carefully designed.
1. There was no lack of human labor in Victorian Britain and industrialists had no problem with scarcity of labor or high wage costs. They didn't want to introduce machines that got rid of human labor and required big investment in capital.
2. The market for labor in many industries was seasonal. During the cold months gas works and breweries were especially busy. And to meet their peak demand they needed more staff. Book binders and printers, before December, catering too would require extra hands.
3. A range of products could only be manufactured with hand labour. Machines were designed for a mass market to produce uniform standardized goods. But market demand has often been for goods with intricate designs and specific shapes.
4. In Victorian British, the aristocratic and bourgeoisie favored items created by the hand. Products made by hand have come to symbolize refinement and class.