Answer: The term "overlooker" during the Industrial Revolution referred to a supervisor or manager who was responsible for overseeing the work of child laborers in factories or mines. These overseers were typically employed by factory owners or operators and were tasked with ensuring that child laborers followed work schedules, operated machinery, and carried out their assigned tasks.
The role of an overlooker in the context of child labor during the Industrial Revolution is a controversial and morally complex issue. While some overlookers may have been responsible for ensuring the welfare and safety of child laborers, there are reports and historical accounts that suggest many overlookers were harsh taskmasters who exploited child labor for maximum productivity and profit. They often enforced strict work discipline, imposed long hours of labor, and subjected child laborers to unsafe working conditions, including exposure to hazardous machinery, toxic substances, and unsanitary environments.
In many cases, child labor during the Industrial Revolution was characterized by exploitation, with children being subjected to grueling work conditions, inadequate pay, and little or no access to education or basic human rights. The use of child labor was driven by the demand for cheap labor to meet the growing demands of industrial production.
Today, child labor is widely recognized as a violation of human rights, and many countries have implemented laws and regulations to protect children from exploitation in the workplace. The role of an "overlooker" in the context of child labor during the Industrial Revolution is seen as a dark chapter in history, highlighting the need for appropriate safeguards and regulations to protect the rights and well-being of children in the workforce.