Proto-Industrialisation vs Factory Production

Proto-industrialisation and factory production are two different modes of production that emerged at different times and in different contexts. While proto-industrialisation refers to a pre-industrial mode of production that existed before the Industrial Revolution, factory production is a mode of industrial production that emerged during the Industrial Revolution. The following are the key differences between the two:

1. Organisation of Production:
Proto-industrialisation was characterised by a dispersed mode of production where production was carried out in different homes by individuals or families. The production process was decentralised and was not regulated by any central authority. In contrast, factory production was characterised by a centralised mode of production where production was carried out in a single location, the factory. The production process was regulated by a central authority, the factory owner, who directed the production process.

2. Technology:
Proto-industrialisation relied on simple tools and equipment, such as handlooms and spinning wheels, which were owned by individual families. The production process was labour-intensive and relied on manual labour. In contrast, factory production relied on machinery, such as steam engines and power looms, which were owned by the factory owner. The production process was capital-intensive and relied on machine power.

3. Scale of Production:
Proto-industrialisation was characterised by small-scale production, where production was carried out by individual families. The scale of production was limited by the capacity of the individual families to produce. In contrast, factory production was characterised by large-scale production, where production was carried out by a large number of workers in a single location. The scale of production was limited by the capacity of the factory.

4. Division of Labour:
Proto-industrialisation did not have a well-defined division of labour. The production process was carried out by members of the same family who performed different tasks according to their abilities. In contrast, factory production had a well-defined division of labour, where workers were assigned specific tasks based on their skills and abilities.

5. Market Orientation:
Proto-industrialisation was not market-oriented. Production was carried out to meet the needs of the local community, and surplus production was sold in nearby markets. In contrast, factory production was market-oriented. Production was carried out to meet the demands of the national and international markets.

In conclusion, proto-industrialisation and factory production are two different modes of production that emerged at different times and in different contexts. While proto-industrialisation was a pre-industrial mode of production characterised by a dispersed mode of production, simple technology, small-scale production, no well-defined division of labour and no market orientation, factory production was an industrial mode of production characterised by a centralised mode of production, capital-intensive technology, large-scale production, a well-defined division of labour and a market orientation.

Proto industrialisation...refers to the phase whereby large scale production took place but not in factories.