Final answer:
The main idea of the passage is scholars have come to realize that leadership has existed in various social classes, not exclusively among the elite, during the Industrial Revolution. The correct answer is option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of the passage is that leadership during the Industrial Revolution emerged from various social strata, debunking the notion that only the elite could be influential leaders. This era saw individuals from humble origins rise to prominence as manufacturing leaders in stark contrast to the traditional, inherited power of nobility and aristocracy. Furthermore, there was an increasing realization of the need for a more just society for industrial workers, shifting the perspective of leadership and societal roles.