Generally speaking, in many pre-industrial societies, there were distinct gender roles and expectations that were based on biological sex. In general, men were typically responsible for activities that required physical strength and endurance, such as hunting, farming, and construction, while women were responsible for activities related to domestic life, such as cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing.
In many societies, men were expected to be the primary providers for their families, while women were expected to support their husbands and take care of the household. Women also had limited opportunities for education and formal employment, and were often dependent on men for financial support.
These gender roles were often reinforced by cultural beliefs and traditions, as well as legal and economic structures.
Then came industrialisation
The industrial revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued through the 19th century, marked a significant shift in the way societies produced goods and services. This period of industrialization coincided with the emergence of feminism as a political and social movement advocating for women’s rights and equality.
Industrialization brought about significant changes to the social and economic landscape, particularly in Western societies. With the growth of factories and the rise of capitalism, traditional gender roles began to shift. Women increasingly entered the workforce in large numbers, particularly in factories and other industrial settings.
This shift in the gendered division of labour had significant implications for women’s lives and the feminist movement. Women’s increased participation in the workforce brought greater economic independence, but it also exposed them to harsh working conditions, including long hours, low pay, and unsafe working environments.
The feminist movement responded to these challenges by advocating for women’s rights in the workplace and beyond. Feminist activists pushed for better working conditions, equal pay, and access to education and training, among other issues. They also fought for legal and political recognition of women’s rights, including the right to vote.
Overall, industrialization and feminism coincided in important ways, with industrialization serving as a catalyst for feminist activism and the feminist movement responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing social and economic landscape.
The Entrepreneurs
The industrial age was characterized by the rise of a new class of entrepreneurs who played a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. Some of the most prominent entrepreneurs of this period include:
- James Watt – Watt was a Scottish inventor and engineer who is credited with improving the steam engine, which was crucial for powering factories and transportation during the industrial revolution.
- Richard Arkwright – Arkwright was an English inventor and entrepreneur who developed the water frame, a machine that could spin cotton into yarn at a much faster rate than manual labor.
- Andrew Carnegie – Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist who made his fortune in the steel industry. He was a philanthropist and also wrote extensively on issues related to wealth and inequality.
- John D. Rockefeller – Rockefeller was an American industrialist who became one of the wealthiest people in history through his success in the oil industry. He is often associated with the concept of the “robber barons,” a group of powerful businessmen who dominated the American economy in the late 19th century.
- Henry Ford – Ford was an American entrepreneur who revolutionized the automotive industry through his development of the assembly line, which allowed for the mass production of automobiles at a much lower cost.
These entrepreneurs, among others, played a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth during the industrial age. They were able to harness new technologies and develop new business models that transformed the way goods and services were produced and consumed.
The benefits of employing women
Some entrepreneurs during the industrial revolution saw the potential benefits of employing women in the workforce. Women were often paid lower wages than men, and were seen as more docile and compliant than male workers, which made them attractive employees for certain types of jobs.
However, the push to employ women in the workforce was not solely driven by entrepreneurs or the desire for profits. The growing demand for labour during the industrial revolution, coupled with changing social and cultural attitudes towards gender roles, helped to create opportunities for women to enter the workforce in greater numbers.
Additionally, it is worth noting that women’s entry into the workforce during this period was not always met with enthusiasm or acceptance. Many male workers and labour unions saw women as a threat to their jobs and their livelihoods, and resisted their employment in various ways. Women workers also faced significant discrimination and harassment on the job, and were often subjected to harsh working conditions and long hours.
Funding
Over the course of feminism, various individuals and organizations, including philanthropic foundations, have provided funding and support for feminist causes. For example, the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundations have both provided significant funding for feminist organizations and initiatives around the world.
The Rockefeller family have been accused of wanting to tax the other half of the family and to put kids into schools for indoctrination purposes?
Laura Spelman Rockefeller (September 9, 1839 – March 12, 1915) was the wife of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller who at one point in his career was said to be the richest man in America. She was a radical feminist of the time and was in a position also to provide a large amount of funding to the cause she was so avidly passionate about.
Overall it appears to be the aim of feminism to achieve gender equality and challenge gender-based discrimination and oppression. Some specific aims of feminism may include:
Women’s suffrage: The right of women to vote and participate in political processes.
Reproductive rights: The right of women to control their own bodies, including access to contraception and abortion.
Workplace equality: The elimination of gender-based discrimination in the workplace, including equal pay for equal work, opportunities for career advancement, and protection against sexual harassment.
Ending gender-based violence: The elimination of all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Challenging gender norms: The breaking down of traditional gender roles and stereotypes that limit individuals based on their gender.
Intersectionality: Recognizing that gender-based discrimination intersects with other forms of discrimination based on race, class, sexual orientation, ability, and other factors, and working to address these intersections.
What is gender equality?
Feminists generally believe that ‘gender equality’ refers to the belief that individuals of all genders should have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment in society. This means that regardless of gender, people should have equal access to education, employment, healthcare, political representation, and other resources. Gender equality is based on the idea that all individuals should be treated fairly and without discrimination based on their gender. It accuses that historically, women have faced systemic oppression and aims to address these inequalities to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Industrialisation has caused gender confusion
The conclusion that some critical thinkers have come to, is that industrialisation has placed humanity in a place of ‘gender confusion’. The lack of specific gender roles such the male being the breadwinner while the wife is responsible for childcare and the overseeing of domesticity, has led to the rise of derailed behaviours and belief systems.
Others say that.. education systems, social media manipulation and social engineering by agenda driven scientific, political and financial interests have all undermined the nuclear family to the point where humanity is confused and in decline.
One thing is for sure, industrialisation and now AI technology is not going to go away, unless there is a very fundamental reset.