Final answer:
Women and children were preferred in the workforce due to their physical attributes, lower wages, and perceived obedience and control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Women and children made up the majority of the workforce during certain periods of history. They were preferred for several reasons:
- They often had smaller hands, which made them more suited for certain tasks like textile production or assembly work.
- Employers could pay women and children less than adult men, making them a more cost-effective choice for labor.
- Some employers believed that women and children were more compliant and easier to control, making them better suited for factory work.
It's important to note that this preference for women and children in the workforce was not ethical or fair, and efforts have since been made to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender or age.
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