Brave New World: Understanding the Symbolism of Fordism

05.11.2023 // By Tome Tailor

Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is a classic work of dystopian literature that remains relevant today because of its insightful depiction of the dangers associated with scientific progress, manipulation of human beings, and totalitarianism. One of the most notable aspects of Huxley’s imagined society is its system of Fordism, which permeates every aspect of life in the World State. In this article, we will dive into the concept of Fordism, its connection to the real world, and the symbolic meaning behind its overwhelming presence in Brave New World.

What is Fordism?

Fordism refers to the economic and social systems developed by American industrialist Henry Ford, who revolutionized automobile manufacturing with the introduction of the assembly line at his Ford Motor Company. Fordism is characterized by the mass production of standardized goods using specialized machinery, standardized work routines, and automated techniques. It allowed for increased productivity, lower production costs, and ultimately lower prices for consumers.

Moreover, Fordism also had a social dimension, offering high wages which enabled workers to become consumers of the products they helped to produce. This virtuous cycle of mass production, mass consumption, and rising living standards was seen as the driving force behind the economic and social progress of the 20th century in the United States and other industrialized countries.

However, the term “Fordism” in Huxley’s Brave New World takes on a different meaning, becoming a system of social control and conditioning that underpins every aspect of life in the World State.

Fordism in the World State

In Brave New World, Fordism has been elevated to a near-religious status. Henry Ford is worshipped as a god, with characters often using the phrase “Our Ford” in place of “Our Lord.” The book is set in the year 632 A.F. (After Ford), where “A.F.” has replaced “A.D.” as the dating system. Other aspects of Fordist ideology have also been incorporated into the society’s structure, such as the World State’s motto, “Community, Identity, Stability,” which echoes Ford’s focus on uniformity and standardization.

The World State’s citizens are genetically engineered and conditioned to fit into a rigid caste system, with each caste specialized for a particular type of work. Technology, efficiency, and scientific advancements have been prioritized over human emotions and individuality, leading towards a society that values conformity and stability above all.

Interestingly, notions of sexuality and relationships are also heavily influenced by Fordism in Brave New World. Promiscuity is encouraged and even treated as a moral obligation, with stability and conformity once again valued over emotional connection or long-term relationships. Children are raised in communal “hatcheries” and “conditioning centers,” further severing the traditional ties of family and biological connections.

The Dark Side of Fordism in Brave New World

While Fordism brought revolutionary changes to the real world, Huxley demonstrates the potential dangers of taking this system to the extreme. By constructing a world in which Fordism has become the dominant ideology, Huxley critiques the relentless pursuit of technological progress and efficiency at the cost of humanity, creativity, and personal freedom.

The characters in Brave New World serve merely as cogs in the societal machine, with little scope for individuality or intellectual curiosity. Human beings have become dehumanized and interchangeable, much like the standardized parts of a mass-produced vehicle. The populace is kept docile through a steady regimen of drug use, mindless entertainment, and shallow relationships, while any potential troublemakers are either exiled or executed.

All of these elements serve as powerful reminders of the consequences of treating human beings as mere products of a system, reducing them to commodities that can be easily controlled and manipulated. The chilling vision of Brave New World serves as a critique of not only Fordism but also the dangers of unchecked technological advances, omnipresent state control, and the loss of human values in the face of expanding scientific horizons.

Conclusion

A Brave New World masterfully employs the symbolism of Fordism to present a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of an unchecked pursuit of scientific advancement and efficiency at the expense of human freedom and creativity. This dystopian classic holds up a mirror to the challenges that continue to confront humanity in the modern era, allowing us to reflect on the direction in which society may be headed.

If you have not yet read Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World or would like to experience it anew, click here to buy the book and fully explore the thought-provoking world that Huxley has created.

Recommended Articles:

Looking for Something Else?