Industrialization changed the way men and women viewed their roles in society. Men’s roles as providers and breadwinners became more pronounced, while women’s roles as homemakers and caregivers became more pronounced.
The Industrial Revolution created a new world for men. As they left their farms and villages in search of work in factories, they had new responsibilities that changed their view of what it meant to be a man. Men began working outside of the home in factories and other places of business. They were no longer just farmers or tradesmen; they were laborers who worked long hours under harsh conditions for little pay.
Many men began pressuring their wives or girlfriends into working outside of the home rather than staying at home with children or taking care of elderly relatives. This created resentment between couples as well as between parents and children over who was responsible for what in a family unit (i.e., mom vs dad).
As women gained more rights, they also began to work outside of the home in factories and other places of business. This increased their independence and gave them a sense of purpose and identity outside of their families. However, this also meant that many women were struggling to balance work and family life, which often led to domestic violence and abuse.
