Definition of the word day labourer

The term "day laborer" originated in the 19th century, as industrialization led to the growth of urbanization and the rise of factories. Before then, most people worked in agriculture, either on their own land or as hired farmhands. However, as rural populations migrated to cities in search of employment, they often found work in construction, mining, and other manual labor industries on a day-by-day basis. Instead of being employed full-time, these workers would offer their services to employers for a single day or until the job was completed. This allowed employers to hire workers as needed, without the commitment or expense of a long-term contract. Meanwhile, day laborers had the flexibility to take on multiple jobs in a week, which provided them with a more stable income than reliance on one employer. The term "day laborer" gained popularity during this time as a way to describe these workers who were hired by the day, rather than being considered permanent employees. Although the term has not changed significantly over time, it has evolved to also encompass precarious employment arrangements such as gig work and contracting, where workers face similar uncertainties around hours, income, and job security.