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What in the domestic system?

Updated: 3/25/2024
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6y ago

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The domestic system, also known as the cottage industry or putting-out system, was a widespread economic arrangement in Europe during the pre-industrial era, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. It involved decentralized production of goods in rural households or small workshops rather than in centralized factories.

In the domestic system:

Production in Homes: Manufacturing took place in individual homes or small workshops rather than large factories. Rural families often supplemented their income by producing goods such as textiles, pottery, or metalwork within their own households.

Division of Labor: Different stages of production were often divided among households. For example, one family might spin yarn, while another wove cloth, and yet another dyed the finished fabric.

Merchant Control: Merchants or entrepreneurs played a crucial role in the domestic system. They would provide raw materials to the households and collect the finished products for sale in markets. This system allowed merchants to capitalize on the skills of rural workers without the expense of maintaining large manufacturing facilities.

Limited Technology: Production methods in the domestic system relied on traditional, often manual techniques. There was limited use of machinery or mechanized processes, with most tasks performed by hand using basic tools.

Social Structure: The domestic system reinforced existing social structures, with wealth and power often concentrated in the hands of merchants and landowners who controlled the distribution networks.

Impact on Society: While the domestic system provided some economic opportunities for rural families, it also had drawbacks. Workers often faced low wages, long hours, and uncertain income. Furthermore, the lack of regulation meant that quality standards could vary widely.

The domestic system began to decline with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, as technological advancements led to the rise of mechanized factory production. However, elements of the cottage industry persisted in certain sectors and regions, particularly in crafts and artisanal goods.

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Md. Abdul Jalil

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1mo ago
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