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MAKING THE MODERN WORLD
Stories about the lives we've made

Tour 8: Working in the modern world

17001970

Over time people's occupations, work locations and work organisations have continuously evolved. This evolution has transformed people's lives. Much pre-industrial work took place in the home. New production technologies ended this flexible arrangement, encouraging industry to grow, and concentrating workers in larger and larger factories.


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In early industrial society the home, and not necessarily the factory, was the centre of work.

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Not all workers were on dry land - work at sea could be a hair-raising experience.

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For a group of elite engineers, employment by Henry Maudslay combined work with the best engineering training available.

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While much work shifted into large factories, many people remained employed in small workshops.

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James Watt's workshop, where he worked during his retirement, has been preserved in the Science Museum.

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In industry, work could be extremely hazardous. Only gradual steps were taken to improve workers' health and safety.

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Scientific management had radical consequences for workers in many different industries.

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New tests were introduced into the workplace to ensure the workforce's suitability for the job.

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The home computer has helped many people move out of the office to work from home.

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