What is a key characteristic of "industrial societies"?

A key characteristic of industrial societies is their reliance on mechanized production and advanced technologies for economic activities. This means that rather than labor-intensive manual production methods that characterize pre-industrial societies, industrial societies utilize machines, automation, and sophisticated technologies to produce goods and services at a significantly larger scale and with greater efficiency. This shift allows for increased productivity, a diverse array of manufactured products, and a shift in workforce structures.

The focus on mechanization fundamentally transforms the economic landscape, enabling mass production, reducing costs, and influencing social structures, such as urbanization and changes in labor dynamics. As a result, industrial societies often feature a complex economy that is heavily interdependent on technological innovation and advancements.

In contrast, alternatives like subsistence farming or traditional crafts reflect more pre-industrial ways of living, and the absence of technological advancement would not align with the defining aspects of industrialization. Each of these contrasts highlights how industrial societies are differentiated by their technological and economic frameworks.