www.tjprc.org editor@tjprc.org SOCIO–ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIALIZATION IN THE SOCIETY MUHAMMAD BELLO MUHAMMAD, RAHIMAH ABDUL AZIZ YEW Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Social, Environment and Developmental Sustainability Research Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia ABSTRACT The main aim of the paper is to look at the socio – economic impact of industrialization on the society. Looking through the various works of sociology scholars on how industrialization brings about social inequality and even differentiation among families in the society. This will bring out the pros and cons of industrialization on the social and economic aspects of the society. Content analysis was used to critically review the literature and other secondary sources of data. Functionalist perspective was used in analyzing the study. The outcome of the study is to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of industrialization in the society and proffer solutions in the form of social policies in order to ameliorate the situation and bring about long-lasting sustainability. KEYWORDS: Industrialization, Social Inequality, Differentiation, Socio-Economic & Society Received: May 28, 2018; Accepted: Jun 18, 2018; Published: Aug 11, 2018; Paper Id.: IJEEFUSAUG20183 INTRODUCTION In the pre-industrial period, the source of income was mainly from agriculture, and economic status and prestige depended on the size of arable land holdings. Due to the sudden change in the economy, some people were attracted to new and economically advantageous occupations while others were forced to adapt to new types of jobs. The fact that the intergenerational inflow of employers is relatively high due to the increased employment opportunities resulting from the rapid growth of industry in this formerly agricultural area. There is also mobility between generations, with the younger generations moving from the father's occupations to new and different work. In the past, a son usually followed the occupation of his father who often trained him for this kind of job. The extensive mobility, geographical and economic, appropriate to industrialization tends to reduce extended family identification. The position of the women has changed considerably particularly with regard to their work. Previously, their work was exclusively domestic and agricultural. Today, it is not uncommon for women to work away from home. The new situation has arisen for two reasons: (1) the increased employment of women in the modern industry and (2) the necessity for women to work due to the high cost of living and growing needs of the family. The rising cost of living and the multiplying needs of the family have made it more and more difficult for the husband alone to support the family. The general trend today is to allow women to accept employment outside the home. Given the changing social structure due to industrialization, the authority of women is likely to increase because of their active role in obtaining part of the family income. The changes are largely tailored by employment opportunities. Original Article International Journal of Environment, Ecology, Family and Urban Studies (IJEEFUS) ISSN (P): 2250-0065; ISSN (E): 2321-0109 Vol. 8, Issue 4, Aug 2018, 23-30 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.