Social effects: Housing

The Industrial Revolution changed the lifestyle of people in the United Kingdom. Workers who formerly worked in farms took the risk of seeking employment in factories in cities. Children who formerly helped in farms entered into mine labour. Women ventured into the available jobs yet experienced even worse working condition.

Living in an industrialised city was hazardous to people’s health, was unsafe, and very difficult. Housing was not readily made available. Women suffered the most from these conditions. On the other hand, the becoming rich businessmen and successful owner sof factories enjoyed the privilege of constructing larger houses for themselves. Cliffe Castle was one of the examples of the fruits of industrial profits. While the rich enjoyed the comfort and pleasure of their newfound wealth, the labourers struggled to seek housing in the city. They resorted to living on the streets with poor living conditions.

There was no sufficient space for the large population. Water was often contaminated with bacteria. Sewage systems were poor and the overall condition of dwellers was even worse. Diseases were rapidly spread among the dwellers which resulted to social loss. On the other hand, the middle class had the opportunity to advance their education in law and medicine. They were asked then to contribute to the growing opportunities in industries. In 19th century, the government enacted laws that address concerns on health, sewage, and housing. The government went on to improve the quality of living among labourers.

The government also worked its way to enact laws to clean the city and regulate factory conditions. Industrial era recorded large number of disease cases such as chest, respiratory, cholera, typhoid and smallpox. Injuries, abuses, death among children, women and men labourers were documented controversially in the Industrial era.