As soon as a complicated process of making an article by hand has been broken up into several simple processes, and each simple process has been assigned to a separate worker, the workers soon learn to standardize their movements. They learn the way to hold the material and the tool to reach the best results. When this has been learned the introduction of a machine to do the work is usually not far distant. For as soon as any manufacturing operation can be reduced to uniformity so that exactly the same action is performed over and over again a great many times in exactly the same way, a machine is likely soon to be found to do the work. With the introduction of the machine the effectiveness of the labor employed is often multiplied many hundredfold.

73. Division Of Labor And The Market

Where trade is not developed division of labor is likely to proceed slowly because there is not sufficient demand for the increased product which comes with division of labor. An increasing division of labor, however, tends to develop trade by making it advantageous for different persons to devote their effort to special lines. On the other hand, a wide market tends to develop division of labor because of the demand for a large production. In the same way the demand furnished by a large market tends to promote the introduction of machinery, and in turn the lower costs of machine-made goods tend to widen the market.

74. The Principle Of Interchangeable Parts

In the manufacture of the parts of the machine itself the principle of the division of labor has an important application. Where the parts of a machine are made by hand they are likely to cost more than when they are made by machinery. Moreover, it is likely that similar parts in different machines will not be exactly identical in form and hence will not be interchangeable. On the other hand, where the parts are made by machinery similar parts will be identical in form and when a part has been broken or worn out it will simply be necessary to buy a new machine-made part to replace the old one. This can usually be done at a relatively low cost. Whereas if each part were made according to a separate pattern, a new part would have to be made to order to replace the broken or worn out part. Thus standardizing the parts of a machine and employing the division of labor and machinery in their manufacture cheapens machinery and widely extends its use.

75. Other Advantages Of Division Of Labor

In addition to the advantages of the greater dexterity and the saving in effort which come from the use of mechanical power, the division of labor has certain other advantages. By dividing the labor and simplifying the operations it is possible to employ women and children in many occupations where only men have been employed before the division took place. This increases the productive force of the community. It is, however, an advantage which is often dearly paid for in the exploitation of the weaker workers. Another advantage arises from the fact that with the simpler processes a trade can be learned in a few weeks or months where years of apprenticeship were formerly required. Moreover, with the diversity of occupations which comes with division of labor it is possible for variously talented persons to find the work for which they are best fitted. For example, it is easier now than formerly for a person who has lost his arms or his legs to find suitable work at which he can earn a living; or for a man who is mentally keen but physically weak to find an opportunity to exploit his abilities. Division of labor, moreover, permits of territorial specialization. Some countries or parts of a country can produce some of the things needed in the manufacture of an article more advantageously than other countries or sections. A division of labor permits of the securing of different commodities in places where they can be most advantageously produced.