Final answer:
The growing division of labor leads to increased productivity but also potential socioeconomic inequalities and greater consumerism-induced greed. Historically, such trends have resulted in class consciousness and demands for change, underscoring the impact of industrialization and specialization on society.
Step-by-step explanation:
As the division of labor grows, it brings about various socioeconomic changes. Mechanization and technological innovation have led to increased labor productivity and a subsequent glut of products, overtaking the growth of consumers' purchasing power. With the wealth generated from these productivity gains not equally distributed, the gap between the rich and the poor widens, potentially leading to greater human greed and desires as people strive to attain and consume more.
Historically, the expansion of labor growth in the context of capitalist economies has been linked to specialization and increased efficiency of production. However, the resultant wealth and commodities have often sparked a consumer culture that encourages overconsumption and materialism, the environmental and societal impacts of which are becoming increasingly apparent. As markets become saturated, the aforementioned 'crisis of overproduction' emerges, compounding economic disparities and potentially fostering class consciousness among the proletariat.
The resulting dynamics often fuel a cycle where greed and desires for material possessions amplify, even as the ability for many to obtain these goods remains limited. This tension can trigger social unrest and the demand for systemic change, as predicted by Marxist theorists.