Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online

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Factory worker
(1,036 words)

1. Definition and characteristics

The term factory workers denoting the work force employed in a centralized and mechanized production center did not come into use until the term factory (Factory [industrial]) in its modern meaning had gained acceptance. In other words, the factory worker is a figure of mature capitalism; a central characteristic is that factory workers earn their living by wage labor, do not own any means of production, and are therefor…

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Gorißen, Stefan, “Factory worker”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_COM_019074>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20180126



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