How Did Industrialization Change the Social Class Structure?

The Industrial Revolution greatly changed the social class structure. It also changed the gender roles in society. In addition, it transformed the nature of the economy.

Before industrialization, the family was a social unit. Women mainly worked as household laborers, while men were mostly employed in the production of goods. Married couples often divided their labor for the benefit of their families.

During the Industrial Revolution, women became part of the working class. They were usually paid a fraction of what the male workers earned. Children also joined the workforce.

While some women still worked at home, they were encouraged to work outside of the home. Initially, factory work was considered more important than domestic work.

Workers in factories had no job security. Long hours were common. Many suffered from poor working conditions. However, the Industrial Revolution greatly improved the lives of the working class. This allowed the workers to establish their own society in industrial cities.

Industrialization also accelerated the growth of urban areas. As more people moved to cities to find employment, they improved infrastructure and environmental standards.

Those who had previously lived in rural areas were forced to move to cities in order to find employment. As a result, the northern elite began to see themselves as separate from the working class.

People from all over the world were drawn to America during the Industrial Revolution. Although most of the change occurred in the north, it soon spread to the American South.