What was the role of child labour in early factories?

Child labour in early factories was primarily used as a cheap, abundant source of labour.

In the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, child labour played a significant role in the functioning of factories. Children were seen as an ideal workforce for several reasons. Firstly, they were cheap to employ. Factory owners could pay children significantly less than adult workers, making them a cost-effective choice. Secondly, children were abundant. With large families being the norm during this period, there was no shortage of children available for work.

The nature of the work in early factories also made children suitable employees. Many of the machines used in factories were small and required nimble fingers to operate, making children ideal for these tasks. Furthermore, children were easier to control than adults. They were less likely to strike or cause trouble, and factory owners could exert more authority over them. This made them a reliable and compliant workforce.

However, the use of child labour in early factories was not without its controversies. The conditions in these factories were often dangerous and unhealthy. Children were made to work long hours, often in poor light and with little ventilation. Accidents were common, and many children suffered from health problems as a result of their work. This led to calls for reform and eventually to legislation regulating child labour.

Despite these issues, child labour was a crucial part of the early factory system. It allowed factories to operate at a lower cost and with a higher level of efficiency. Without the use of child labour, the rapid industrialisation that characterised this period may not have been possible. However, the exploitation and suffering endured by these child workers is a dark aspect of this history that should not be forgotten.