1. Impact on Women:
- Increased Employment Opportunities: The Industrial Revolution led to the exponential growth of factories and manufacturing industries, which opened job opportunities for women.
- Gendered Work: Although more women entered the workforce, jobs were often gender-segregated. Women mostly worked in textile industries and other occupations that were considered suitable for their "delicate" nature.
- Low Wages: Women were generally paid lower wages than their male counterparts for similar work.
- Poor Working Conditions: Working conditions in factories were harsh and dangerous, with long working hours and the use of dangerous machinery.
- Child Labor: The use of child labor was widespread, with children working alongside adults in factories. This included many young girls.
2. Impact on Artisans:
- Shift to Factory Labor: Artisans, being skilled craftspeople who worked in small workshops or at home, faced significant disruption due to the shift towards factory production.
- Increased Competition: Artisans had to compete with faster and more efficient machine-made products that flooded the market.
- Loss of Autonomy: Mass production in factories meant artisans lost control over their work and processes, which could diminish their job satisfaction.
- Unemployment: Many artisans became unemployed as factories replaced their handmade products. Those who remained in the craft industry often faced lower demand for their work.
- Transition to Skilled Labor: Some artisans adapted by transitioning to skilled labor roles within the new factory system.
Overall, the Industrial Revolution brought both opportunities and challenges for women and artisans. While women gained access to employment, they faced gender-based discrimination and poor working conditions. Artisans saw a decline in their traditional craft-based livelihoods and had to adapt to survive in the changing economy.