The cost of advance
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the second half of the 18th century, an ever-increasing, almost exponential, rate of change has gripped humanity. From its early stages, the benefits of the Industrial Revolution were questioned by some sectors of society. The “Luddites” were examples of opposition to this progression. Few at the time questioned the effects on the environment, however many questioned its effect on people. The writings of Charles Dickens gave voice to these concerns. The benefits brought about by the Industrial Revolution are many and possibly innumerable. They are innumerable, because they are many, but they are also innumerable because, for some, an example of progression is for others an example of regression.
Unions arose from the need for workers to unite for a common purpose, to achieve better wages and working conditions. Unions have helped create a middle class, which grew larger as the Industrial Revolution progressed. This had the effect of increasing education among the working class. I think there is a link, however tenuous, that the rise of trade unions (circa 1820) and the Industrial Revolution played a role in the abolition of slavery in Britain (Abolition of Slavery Act 1833). Unions were created as a direct result of the exploitation of workers by corporations. This is an early example of the employer’s (corporations) abrogation of his social responsibility towards his employees. It is interesting to note that there is a direct correlation between the rise and fall of unionism and the rise and fall of real wages in the United States. Real wages rose steadily in the US until 1974, when they peaked. Since then, real wages have continued to fall. Union membership peaked at 21 million in 1979 and has since fallen to 14.8 million in 2010, a 30% decline. Note that during this period the US population increased from 225 million to 309 million, an increase of 37%.
To bring this article to a conclusion and return to the subject which is essentially the cost of progress, it is fair to say that there have been great advances for humanity during the infancy of CSR however they have come with some costs to humans however , at very large costs to the environment. While humans have benefited greatly, the environment has not been so fortunate. This is the subject of future articles in this series.
