Introduction
Industrial revolution which occurred in the 19th century was birthed by the need of the society to improve their living standards as well as an opportunity to obtain an extra income. This was a period when man had gained a lot of knowledge in various fields. This period marked a new beginning for the women where by they became actively involved in economic activities. Previously most women engaged in household chores and mostly depended on their husbands who would go out hunting and gathering for food. Due to the availability of facilities for them to work outside their homes, and the need for them to supplement on the family income, they took up roles to work in industries that were established during this period (Fiero, 253). Despite the positive impact that was felt in the economy due to the participation of women, it had diverse effects on them considering the other home responsibilities that they were to perform. Their participation in the building of the economy by working in the industries did not relieve them of the home responsibilities. They were still expected to take care of their households as they involved in industrial work.
The working environment
The working environment that they were exposed to also had impacts on their health. Some of them were to work in mines and risky industrial environments. They were made to carry heavy loads which generally impacted on their reproductive health. This was also a season when there was a general exploitation on women who had to live up to the demands of the men. Men were generally in charge of such industrial establishments and hence served as bosses to the women. They supervised them and made them work without any rest. The work they did was not in proportion to what they earned considering that they were juniors (Fiero, 253). The women had to wake up earlier than their husbands and perform some household chores before they embarked on their daily industrial chores. They were expected to report to their work places early and also leave late in the evening. These women did not hence have adequate time to rest. Despite the hard work that they were given, they had minimum breaks for lunch, some industries that were kind enough would provide them with some food inform of lunch which was not balanced. Some of them were forced to carry their young lactating children to their places of work as there was nobody at home to take care of them.
The working environment posed a great threat for them and their children yet they had no alternative. Their children who had attained the age of five years were also to participate in these activities but their wages were slightly lower than those of the women. Some industries required that the children be taken away from their parents and work in mines and other establishments. The women would hence stay for quite sometime before seeing their children (Lupri, 68). It was a season that saw the children being separated from their parents. They were expected to work as per the demands of their bosses who are mainly the men. They would only break from work when they had to give birth even though most of them delivered at their work places. They would also be excused from their duties if they became too sick to perform their duties. There was however no medical assistance that they were given, they were to go at home and wait for their recovery or simply die and be forgotten. There was no assistance that was extended to the family of the bereaved women and their children were left to suffer. The children who lost their parents were expected to work so that they obtain their daily needs.
The importance of the topic to the study
Studying the impacts of industrial revolution to the role of women in society is aimed at reflecting on the developments that have occurred since the establishment of industries. Looking at the current scenario when women are holding prominent positions in the society, it can be said that it was not easy. It took courage for the women to move out of their households and attempt doing things that were basically for men. The experiences that they went through proved to them how munch ability they had. They can courageously take up the positions now not having to worry about intimidation from the male. These experiences also proved to the men that the unity of women can have great impacts on the society and thus being cautious. Were it not for industrial revolution, women would not have realized their potentials. This is a significant period in history as it reminds us of how far they women have come from. The current labor laws have developed from this period when the women rose in one voice to stand against exploitation of them and their children.
Conclusion
Despite the negative impacts that were felt by the women at this period of time, it was also a season when they realized their potentials. The subsequent events that followed served as an eye opener to them as they realized that they had equal capacities as their male counterparts. Their ability to manage industrial chores and their household responsibilities showed how strong they were both emotionally and psychologically. It also provided an avenue for them to come together and discuss the issues that affected them. They formed groups that were mainly to give each other support considering that they had an understanding of each other (Lupri, 125). The women groups had positive impacts on them as they encouraged and empowered each other. In a matter of time, they learned leadership skills by choosing leaders amongst themselves and able to speak in one voice to their bosses. They purposed to work towards a goal of being liberated from the slavery that they and their children were exposed to. Even though the battle took quite some time, they were able to be delivered from hard tasks and also demanded for higher pay for their work. Their physical and psychological health improved substantially as they educated and assisted each other on proper dieting.
Works cited
Fiero, Gloria, The Humanistic Tradition: The Early Modern World to the Present, London: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
Lupri, Eugen. The Changing position of women in family and society: a cross-national comparison, New York: Brill Archive, 1983.