In addition to the general restrictions on women's rights and freedoms that existed in many societies, there were also specific restrictions on women's labor participation. Some examples include:
Women were often not allowed to hold positions of authority or responsibility in the workplace. For example, they might not be allowed to be supervisors or managers.
Women were often paid less than men for the same work. This was due to a number of factors, including the belief that women were less productive than men and that they did not need to earn as much money because they were financially supported by their husbands.
Women were often excluded from certain industries or occupations. For example, they might not be allowed to work in mining, construction, or transportation.
Women were often subject to sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. This could include being subjected to unwanted touching, comments, or advances, as well as being treated unfairly or denied opportunities because of their gender.
Here are some specific examples of restrictions on women's labor participation in different societies:
In the United States, women were prohibited from working in certain industries, such as mining and construction, until the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the United Kingdom, women were prohibited from working in factories with more than 20 employees until the Factory Act of 1833.
In Japan, women were prohibited from holding positions of authority in the workplace until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
In China, women were traditionally expected to stay at home and care for their families. However, during the Mao Zedong era, women were encouraged to participate in the workforce. However, they were often relegated to low-paying and low-skilled jobs.
In recent decades, there has been significant progress in terms of women's labor rights. However, women still face challenges in the workplace, such as gender pay gaps and sexual harassment.