What does the term "mass production" refer to?

The term "mass production" refers to the process of manufacturing large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly line techniques and machinery to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This approach allows for the rapid production of identical items, which lowers the price per unit and makes goods more accessible to a wider consumer base. Mass production emerged during the Industrial Revolution as factories adopted these methods, leading to significant changes in industry and society, including greater availability of products and the rise of consumer culture.

In contrast, the other options focus on personalized and small-scale production methods. Hand-crafted items and artisanal batches emphasize uniqueness and individual craftsmanship, which are diametrically opposed to the principles of mass production. Similarly, the term "utilizing only local resources" suggests limited production capabilities that are not characteristic of mass production, which typically relies on broader supply chains and resources to meet high demand.