Question

Why is the united states considered a postindustrial society and not an industrial society?

A) Because the United States has completely abandoned manufacturing activities.
B) Due to the shift from manufacturing to a service-based economy.
C) Because the United States never had a significant industrial period.
D) As a result of increased reliance on agrarian practices.
E) Because the United States lacks technological advancements.

Answer 1

The United States is considered a postindustrial society because of its transition from an economy based heavily on manufacturing to one that is focused on services and information, reflecting a global shift towards postindustrialism and the influence of globalization. Option E is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The United States is considered a postindustrial society primarily due to the shift from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy, which is indicated by option B. This change reflects a broader global pattern where countries like the United States have transitioned from industrialization to postindustrialism. Postindustrial societies, also known as information societies, place a high value on information as a key economic resource.

During the Industrial Age in America, there was a significant shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. The rise of industry in the mid to late nineteenth century caused this shift and eventually led to what is known as industrialization.

However, in recent years, the U.S. has undergone another transformation. From the 1970s onward, a transition from manufacturing to services and information has been evident. The U.S. economy once had a strong manufacturing sector, but with increased globalization, there has been a trend of moving production to areas with lower labor costs. Consequently, the U.S. has seen a significant reduction in manufacturing jobs.

Today, statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that there is a disproportionately higher number of jobs in the service industries compared to manufacturing. This shift is a key characteristic of a postindustrial society, unlike option A, as manufacturing activities have not been completely abandoned, and option C is incorrect as the U.S. did have a significant industrial period. Option D is also inaccurate because there hasn't been an increased reliance on agrarian practices, and option E is not correct because the U.S. continues to be at the forefront of technological advancements.