DOMESTIC SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The domestic system, also known as the cottage industry or putting-out system, refers to a production system that was prevalent during the 17th to the early 19th centuries. It was a decentralized form of manufacturing where goods were produced within people's homes, typically in rural areas.
In the domestic system, skilled workers, often members of a family, produced products such as textiles, pottery, or metalware. These workers were known as "putters-out" or "proto-entrepreneurs." They collected raw materials and provided them to the workers, who then carried out various stages of production, including spinning, weaving, carving, or crafting. Once finished, the products were collected by the putters-out and sold in the market.
This system allowed for flexible scheduling, as individuals could work at their own pace and alongside other household chores. The domestic system often relied on the division of labor, with different family members specializing in specific tasks. It provided an additional income source for rural families who owned small plots of land and could not solely rely on farming.
While the domestic system was characterized by its informality and lack of regulation, it eventually gave way to the factory system with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The development of more efficient and faster machinery, along with the concentration of workers in urban areas, led to the decline of the domestic system. However, it played a crucial role in the early stages of industrialization and laid the foundation for the factory system as we know it today.
Etymology of DOMESTIC SYSTEM
The word "domestic" comes from the Latin word "domesticus", which means "pertaining to the house or household". It is derived from the word "domus", meaning "house". The word "system" comes from the Latin word "systema", which ultimately traces back to the Greek word "systēma", meaning "organized whole". Therefore, the term "domestic system" refers to an organized whole or structure related to the home or household.
