Final answer:
The increase of working women prepared society for the Industrial Revolution by shifting their role in the workforce and contributing to the modern women's movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increase of working women changed society in preparation for the Industrial Revolution in several ways. Firstly, as mechanization reduced the physical strength required for work, women and children began to decline in the workforce. Adult men still needed the assistance of wives and children to meet expenses, but less of this work was done in factories. Secondly, working women were encouraged to focus on 'women's jobs' and were paid lower wages than men. Lastly, the Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for the modern women's movement by providing women with opportunities outside the home.