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Sex role changes during Industrial Rev

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Sex role changes during Industrial Rev
4/24/12
Change in Genders and Families’ Roles during the Industrial Revolution
Without a doubt the introduction of the industrial revolution to New England didn’t only affect their agrarian based economy and the production of goods, but it also affected society. The Industrial Revolution dramatically altered the ways families were connected, communicated and supported one another. This influence was especially reflected in the change of gender role during this time. With the rapid shift away from a more agricultural family based or small business enterprise to a more industrial labor, where the independent salary became an important aspect in the survival of the family in the urban areas. Before the onset of the industrial revolution in England “The household was not only the industrial center but also the social center, for its members derived social satisfaction from working together and from rustic amusements enjoyed at home or on the village green”1. Despite The old ideals of the British society, somewhat idealized living standard before massive scale industrialization, the fact remains that families not matter, gender or social status, relied on each other for economy and social support, as well as on their community. With new employment opportunities available for women and children, families were not longer so dependable on each other, now they were free to split apart, move away and engaged in new jobs that their gender was previously not allowed. Regardless of the many changes in the standard British family principal, the industrial expansion affected primarily the gender roles, especially for woman. Their social status as well their family’s structure completed changed in comparison with the ideals of the part industrial society.
During the pre-industrial revolution ages women, as their gender role demanded in New England, were expected to focus mainly on house chores and childcare. In the Eighteen century life in England was mostly rural with

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