As an expert in the field of social theory and economic development, I can provide a comprehensive definition of a post-industrial society.

A post-industrial society is a concept that emerged in the mid-20th century to describe a new stage in the evolution of human societies following the industrial age. This term was popularized by sociologist Daniel Bell in his 1973 book "The Coming of Post-Industrial Society: A Venture in Social Forecasting." The transition to a post-industrial society is marked by a shift from manufacturing and production as the primary economic drivers to a focus on the knowledge sector, services, and information technology.

In a post-industrial society, the economy is dominated by the service sector rather than the production of goods. Services include everything from education and healthcare to finance and entertainment. The emphasis is on providing value through intangible means, such as expertise, innovation, and the application of technology. This shift is driven by several factors:


1. Technological Advancements: The development of new technologies has transformed the way we work and live. Automation and robotics have reduced the need for manual labor in manufacturing, while the internet and digital technologies have created new opportunities for service provision.


2. Globalization: The integration of economies worldwide has led to the outsourcing of manufacturing to countries where labor is cheaper. This has resulted in a decline in the importance of manufacturing jobs in developed countries and a rise in service-oriented jobs.


3. Education and Skill Requirements: The post-industrial society places a high premium on education and skills. Workers need to be adaptable and able to learn new skills quickly to keep up with the rapidly changing job market.


4. Consumer Demand: As societies become wealthier, consumer demand shifts from basic goods to services and experiences. People are willing to pay for convenience, entertainment, and personalized services.


5. Environmental Concerns: There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of industrial production. This has led to a push for more sustainable practices and a move away from resource-intensive manufacturing.

In a post-industrial society, the workforce is characterized by a higher proportion of white-collar jobs compared to blue-collar jobs. The demand for intelligent designers and users of technology is high, as these roles are crucial in creating and implementing the services and solutions that drive the economy.

The transition to a post-industrial society also brings about significant social and cultural changes. It often leads to a more urbanized and mobile population, with people moving to cities for better job opportunities. There is also a greater emphasis on creativity, innovation, and the arts, as these are seen as important contributors to the economy.

However, this transition is not without its challenges. The post-industrial society faces issues such as job displacement due to automation, income inequality, and the need for continuous education and retraining. It also requires a robust social safety net to support those who are affected by these changes.

In conclusion, a post-industrial society is defined by its focus on services, knowledge, and information technology. It represents a significant shift from the industrial society's emphasis on manufacturing and production. This new stage in economic development brings with it both opportunities and challenges, requiring societies to adapt and evolve in response.

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postindustrial society definition. A term used by social theorists to describe the stage of economic development that follows industrialization. The postindustrial society emphasizes not the production of goods, but of services, which depend on intelligent designers and users of technology.read more >>