Final answer:
The rise of the industrial economy during the Industrial Revolution increased stratification by bolstering distinct social classes like the working and middle classes, linking identity to occupation rather than family, and widening the wealth gap between industrialized and non-industrialized nations as well as along gender lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increasing Stratification During the Industrial Revolution
The rise of the industrial economy significantly increased levels of stratification by class, race, and gender. One of the ways in which this happened was through the creation of distinct social classes, such as the working class and the middle class. Members of the working class earned hourly wages in the industrial sector, contrary to the agricultural livelihoods of their predecessors. Meanwhile, the middle class included those who owned or supervised factories, railroads, and similar enterprises.
Occupational specialization contributed to stratification as well, where social identity became increasingly linked to one's job rather than to family ties or land. As people moved to urban centers for work, family structures shifted from extended to nuclear families, reinforcing occupational identity. The influx of workers into urban areas also widened the wealth gap, as these populations sought upward mobility and wealth, creating sharp divisions between the economically privileged and underprivileged.
Furthermore, the divide extended beyond domestic lines with industrialized nations increasingly outpacing non-industrialized ones, creating global inequality. Gender roles also became more pronounced, with working-class women more likely to work in factories, while middle-class women mostly undertook domestic responsibilities. These factors illustrate the multifaceted impact of the Industrial Revolution on societal stratification.