Thoughts & Reflections - The Condition of the Working Class in England

Thoughts & Reflections - The Condition of the Working Class in England

Image: Merry Poppins Chimney Sweeps

Now I will first address my image. Even though Disney musicals may seem to be irrelevant, all of those happy chimney sweepers probably died of cancer and were children. Source: Here Since I am discussing the living and working conditions of industrial era England I thought it would be fitting to show just another view point on living conditions. This article is about the children who were used to clean chimneys. Kids as young as 6 were becoming disfigured as well as developing serious lung issues. Not only that but kids frequently died due to the risky nature of the job.

Article: Children as Chimney Sweeps

Engels also happens to share a very similar viewpoint. He starts by explaining how the city was built too dense and that made ventilation nearly impossible. With so many fires burning oxygen within the city was low because too many chemicals, as well as the cities' lack of sanitary control meant that all of the rot was just being added to the air. All of these mix with factory exhaust that creates a toxic air which means people who live in the city are often developing chronic diseases, and respiratory diseases. Another point Engels discusses the effect factories as well as the industrial revolution as a whole on the family. He states that since factories try to minimize time away from work fathers are sent to live in factory dorms that are choked by air pollution. Engels also points out the tragic effect of making mothers work. When women are forced to work and not raise their children, it makes the children disenfranchised and lost. He states the industrial revolution is causing a serious condition, "this condition which degrades, in the most shameful way, both sexes." This is done because people think that profit, and larger corporate agenda is more important.

I think this article is super fascinating for a few things. First, it raises an issue that can be seen through modern history. The beat movement comes to mind. In The Dharma Bums a beat movement book, contains a passage where the main characters lament about the way all of the houses look the same, and all have the same TV on and listening to whatever message was broadcasted. This issue of finding direction in a modern world is also explored by philosophers like Alan Watts. Another example of searching for meaning in a modern world can be found in the works of Charles Bukowski. Bukowski published many autobiographical stories of when he came back from a World War II draft and had to find work in Los Angeles. The issue Engels has found has not been addressed enough. We may think we have solved the issue, but instead, we are sold the solution. We have the mainstream media to thank in regards to setting social norms, and blaring advertisements designed to psychologically affect us. Even this blog you are viewing now is run by Google, who is harvesting your information. Go install an extension or plugin for your browser that tracks every time Google records your ad data. Engels is right when he says we need to stop degrading the human race.