Key learning points

1. Changes to the way people worked during the Industrial Revolution created new opportunities and challenges for women.
2. In the 19th century, married women were expected to stay home to raise children and look after their husbands.
3. Legislation was passed during the 19th century that limited working opportunities for women.
4. By the end of the 19th century, there was a divide between work considered suitable for men and for women.
5. The growth of professions like nursing and teaching created new opportunities for some women.

Keywords

• Industrial Revolution - the Industrial Revolution was a period of great change during which improvements in technology changed how people lived and worked

• Middle class - in this context, the term middle class is used to describe people who earn a living from professional jobs that require an education

• Working class - in this context, the term working class is used to describe people who earn a living from carrying out manual labour e.g. in factories

• Legislation - a law or set of laws passed by Parliament is known as legislation

Common misconception