A Closer Look at the Rise of the Middle Class.

The industrial period saw many changes to European society including the rise of a new middle class. Often, when we think about the changes during this period, our first thoughts go to those working in the factory, but they weren't the only social group during this time. Distinct from the working class/urban poor, this new middle class worked primarily in industries that benefited FROM the factories (merchants, shopkeepers, factory owners, bankers, etc) and had a dramatic effect on European society, culture and education.

But just what was this middle class?

The Middle Class was not a new concept in European society, but one that became firmly entrenched during the Industrial age. The educated professionals who worked in white-collar positions gained additional wealth during this time, allowing them to live a comfortable life. Similar to that of the nobility, but without a title.

Let's take a closer look at the 2012 essay that addresses the middle class:

Analyze the ways in which the rise of the middle class affected family structure and gender roles in Europe in the 1800s.

To understand the question, you must understand the changes the middle class underwent. First and foremost, you must understand that the middle class WAS NOT the working class. These were not the ones working in the factories. Once we start from that point, it will be easier to see what changes occurred. Below you'll see some of the information that would help you answer this question. Keep it in mind as you read your text for this module as well as the text and information presented in the Turn of the Century module.

A diversity of jobs in the white collar sector
Valued economic self-sufficiency, literacy, respectability, economic freedom
Women were the guardians of morality, responsible for their children's morals
Families were smaller, more nuclear
Lower mortality rates meant children lived longer and parents became more attached
Rousseau's writings on children as unique beings influenced the middle class to begin treating them as children rather than young adults
Toys and games are created and marketed towards children
Separate spheres were determined for men and women, women were in charge of the home while men were breadwinners who provided for their family
Marriage became based more on love and affection rather than for financial gain
Changes in the 2nd industrial revolution allowed for more leisure time spent at parks as well as contributions to consumer culture
Education became mandatory for all children
Women were able to work outside of the home, but did so rarely and were involved in white collar professions such as clerks and teachers
In the home, women supervised chores, servants, they often worked extremely hard, but were to appear idle

So what does all of this mean? Ultimately that in the middle class, gender roles were well-defined: women as the caretaker of the home and men as the head of the family. Family structure was altered as children began to be celebrated, allowing for education, love and play. Plus the smaller families, high salaries and lower work hours allowed families to spend time together, taking advantage of the consumer culture created at the end of the 1800's.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.