What does industrialism mean?
Industrialism is the social and economic order associated with machine-based production, large factories, and the organization of work around industrial capital. It is more than a description of manufacturing: the term can refer to the wider social system produced by industrialization and to an ideology that regards industrial development and sustained economic growth as central priorities. The word is especially common in historical and political analysis, where it may be used neutrally to describe a stage of economic development or critically to examine labor relations, urbanization, inequality, and environmental consequences. Its development is closely associated with the Industrial Revolution, although industrial practices and systems of production existed much earlier. Industrialism should not be confused with industrialization, which names the process of becoming industrial rather than the resulting system or ideology.
nounThe social and economic system characterized by the development and extensive use of industry, especially machine-based production. The term may also denote an outlook or political ideology that prioritizes industrial development, technology, and economic growth.
- A social and economic system based on industrial production, especially large-scale machine manufacturing.
- An ideology or outlook that treats industrial development and economic growth as fundamental priorities.
"The expansion of the railways transformed the nation and accelerated its industrialism."
"Scholars have examined the rise of industrialism in nineteenth-century Europe."
"The policy was shaped by a strong commitment to industrialism and technological modernization."
Plural forms are possible but uncommon; the word normally refers to one broad historical or ideological system.
"Historians have compared the industrialisms of different regions."
Industrialism did more than build factories: it reorganized work, cities, trade, and everyday life around machine production.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does industrialism come from?
Industrialism was formed in the 19th century from industrial, meaning “relating to industry or manufacturing,” and the suffix -ism, which can indicate a system, condition, or distinctive doctrine. Industrial itself derives through French from Latin industria, associated with diligence, purposeful activity, and productive work. The same productive sense is preserved in industry and industrious, making them close cognates within the word's historical family.
Related word forms
How industrialism is actually used
Most common in historical, economic, and political discussion. It is often used critically to describe the social organization and consequences of industrial production, including regimented labor, urbanization, and environmental impact.
Easily confused with industrialism
Industrialism is a social or economic system characterized by industry, whereas industrialization is the process by which a society develops industrial methods of production.