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The Division of Labor

Driving Question: How did industrialization drive the evolution of class identity?

Factories didn’t just divide jobs, they divided people. As labor became more specialized, the line between the workers and those with power became harder to cross.

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn about the impact of new economic theories and the creation of the modern system of social classes.
  2. Use the historical thinking practices of comparison and causation to analyze why people demanded reforms in this era.
  3. Use a graphic biography to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives of this period.

Vocab Terms:

  • bourgeoisie
  • capitalism
  • industrial capitalist
  • proletariat
  • reform
  • social class
  • union
STEP 1

Opener: The Division of Labor

In this lesson, you’re going to learn about how industrialization transformed class dynamics. Zooming in on the lives of several individuals will help you understand the human impacts of these big changes.

STEP 2

The Working Class

These materials show how industrialization changed both factory work and social class, helping us understand the growing divide between groups.

STEP 3

Labor Reforms

Industrialization pushed people to fight for change. This article and graphic biography will help you explore how class identity shaped reform efforts and how people challenged the system from within.

STEP 4

Closer: The Division of Labor