postindustry

Postindustry refers to the phase or mode of society that follows a traditionally industrialized economy and its associated social, cultural, and economic structures. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with "post‑industrial society" but can also denote a broader set of developments that arise when economies transition away from manufacturing-dominated production toward knowledge, service, and information-based activities.

Key characteristics of a post‑industrial environment include a shift of employment from manufacturing to services, increased importance of intellectual property, and greater reliance on digital communication technologies. Production itself often becomes automated or distributed, reducing the need for large physical factories and labor forces in traditional blue‑collar roles. In many developed nations, the share of the workforce employed in manufacturing has fallen below 10%, while the public‑sector, professional, and creative sectors now dominate economic output.

The post‑industrial paradigm emerged in the late twentieth century, accelerated by advances in computing, telecommunications, and the globalization of supply chains. Economists such as David Harvey and Daniel Bell have documented the decline of the commodity‑producing sector and the rise of the cultural and financial sectors. These shifts are also reflected in changes to urban landscapes, where former industrial districts are often redeveloped into office parks, cultural venues, and high‑tech hubs.

Critics of the post‑industrial model argue that it can exacerbate inequality, as high‑skill, high‑wage jobs are increasingly concentrated among a relatively small segment of the population. Moreover, the decline of manufacturing can lead to the loss of durable manufacturing skills and traditions. Proponents counter that post‑industrial economies are more sustainable, less environmentally damaging, and more adaptable to rapid technological change.

In contemporary discourse, "postindustry" is sometimes used to analyze the transformation of third‑world economies as they industrialize, suggesting a cyclical pattern whereby new industries arise and later give way to newer forms of production. This ongoing process continues to shape global socioeconomic trends.