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Luddites

Definition

The Luddites were a group of English textile workers in the 19th century who protested against newly developed labour-economizing technologies, particularly automated looms that threatened their jobs.

Analogy

Imagine if robots started taking over fast food jobs and all the cashiers and cooks started smashing up the machines in protest - that's what the Luddites did when automated looms were introduced!

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: This period saw major changes in technology and industry which led to increased mechanization of production processes. It's this increase that led to groups like the Luddites protesting job loss due to automation.

Ned Ludd: An individual who is said to have destroyed two large stocking frames (a type of knitting machine) around 1779 because they would put people out of work. His name became synonymous with those who opposed industrial progress.

Trade Unions: These are organized associations of workers formed to protect their rights and interests. While not directly related to the Luddites, trade unions would later take up similar causes advocating for worker's rights amidst increasing industrialization.