What important role did women play in european societies during the industrial revolution?

As the industrial revolution progressed the number of women in the work force grew rapidly. Usually from lower class or immigrant backgrounds many women worked in the textile factories, however some worked as domestics (house maids) By the early 20th century new technology led to better machinery and as a result some of the women who had to work were able to move into a 'new' field...clerical work.