Final answer:
Porters were utilized mainly to assist railroad clerks with their labor-intensive tasks, influenced by the expansion of travel modes and socioeconomic shifts
Step-by-step explanation:
Porters were primarily used to relieve railroad clerks due to the labor-intensive nature of the job and the historical tradition of employing porters in various forms of travel. As railroad and ship travel expanded in the 18th century, the middle class could also afford the luxury of having porters to assist with luggage and other tasks, which was not just exclusive to the upper class. The role of porters became integrated into railroad services, reflecting economic and technological shifts in society.
Over time, labor disputes such as the 2015 conflict between longshoremen and shipping companies showed that the introduction of new technology could threaten jobs. This situation was similar to that faced by railroad workers in the past where workers feared the loss of employment due to technological advances like handheld scanners and computer-operated cabs. Unions often resisted these changes to protect their members. However, these disputes sometimes concluded with agreements that incorporated new technology while maintaining workers' benefits, revealing the complex relationship between innovation, labor, and job security.
In this context, the role of porters can be seen as a labor solution that predated the current clashes between labor unions and technological advancements, which continually shape the face of the workforce in various industries, including railroad services.