A system of mass production characterized by assembly-line manufacturing, high wages, and mass consumption. Originating in the early 20th century with Henry Ford’s automobile factories, this production model emphasizes efficiency through specialized labor and standardized products. An example of this can be seen in the concentration of automobile manufacturing in Detroit during the early to mid-20th century, where workers, supported by relatively high wages, could afford the products they produced, creating a cycle of production and consumption.
The significance of this model lies in its impact on industrial landscapes, labor practices, and the spatial organization of economic activities. Its benefits included increased productivity, lower prices for consumers, and the growth of a middle class. Historically, it fostered the growth of large manufacturing centers and shaped patterns of migration as people moved to these areas seeking employment. However, it also led to deskilling of labor and a dependence on repetitive tasks.