Final answer:
Esther Boserup argued that increases in population led to more intensive labour to sustain a growing society. As economies evolved from agrarian to industrial, shifts in workforce requirements and new technology spurred economic growth and social mobility, incentivizing more productive work with higher wages and promotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Esther Boserup argued that increases in population led people to work harder. Boserup, economist, believed that necessity would drive innovation and lead to more intensive farming practices. As the population grows, more people are required to work harder to increase food production and sustain the larger population. This ties in with the broader socioeconomic principles that when the demand for labour goes up, either through an increase in the population or through economic development, the workforce responds by working harder, increasing hours, or improving skills.
One of the ways to grow an economy is by shifting labour out of less productive sectors, such as agriculture, into more productive sectors like manufacturing. This shift often results in urbanization, where people move to cities seeking better job opportunities and potentially higher wages, thereby promoting economic growth and social mobility. Wages, recognition, and promotions are tools used to incentivize harder work and increase productivity.
The transition from agrarian societies to industrialized ones required not just more workers, but also technological advancements and better labour management. The evolution of technology, such as the steam engine or the large-scale use of water mills, helped reduce individual labour intensity and allowed for the inclusion of more diverse labour forces, including women and children. However, it also came with the challenge of setting new rules for labour management, also known as shop-floor discipline.