Before the Industrial Revolution – that is, before the 18th century in England, or the 19th century in Western Europe and North America – the majority of population lived in rural areas and worked in agriculture, where the resources for production were limited. ... Previously, social status depended on the family's name and reputation, however, with the rise of consumerism and materialism, people became lured into the belief that higher status can be achieved simply by possessions, which does not often reflect the reality. ...

• Word Count: 653
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate