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1. Marglin argues that the original reason for concentrating production in factories wasn’t that it was more
technically efficeint, but rather that it allowed capitalists to better control the work process. What evidence does
Marglin provide for this claim?
2. The main focus of Marglin’s article is on the development of the factory system in late 18th/early 19th
century England. But the article also discusses several other times and places. Pick two of these other cases
and explain how they fit into the larger argument. How do these other examples support or clarify the central
claims of the piece?
3. Can you think of any examples from your own work experience of production being organized to make it
easier to supervise, or to make sure workers stayed dependent on the employer, even when it it’s less efficient
that way? Compare your own experience with some of the examples given by Marglin. (Note: If you choose
this question, make sure you still draw on the reading.)
