The transition away from feudalism took literally hundreds of years.

In any particular country, no, not really. The important switches (e.g. the ability of commoners to obtain education beyond primary school) happen much more quickly. However we have a current example: China. Over the last thirty years or so there has been a massive influx of former peasants (without "proper education") out of the countryside into the industrial workforce and into the cities. Funny how no one suggests there should be an affirmative action program for them.