What is the putting out system?

The putting out system, also known as the domestic system, was a method of textile production in which raw materials were given to rural households for them to process and turn into finished goods. This system was prevalent in Europe from the 17th to 19th centuries before the rise of industrialization.

In the putting out system, merchants or middlemen would provide the raw materials such as wool, cotton, or silk to households in rural areas. The families would then spin, weave, or knit the materials into finished products, which would then be collected and sold by the merchants.

This system allowed for goods to be produced in larger quantities and at a faster pace compared to traditional cottage industries. It also provided supplemental income for rural families who could work from home and around their own schedule.

However, the putting out system also had its drawbacks. Merchants often exploited the workers by paying low wages and setting unrealistic quotas. There was also little job security and stability for the workers, as they were dependent on the merchants for work.

Overall, the putting out system played a significant role in the early stages of industrialization by providing a decentralized system of production before factories and mass production became more common.