Final answer:
Factory girls were viewed by society as temporary workers who should not remain in factory jobs for an extended period. The exploitation, low wages, and poor conditions they experienced reflect the utilitarian attitude of society and the expectations that women would eventually leave the workforce for domestic roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the quote by Florena Austin, factory girls were seen as individuals who should not stay too long in the workforce to the point of being 'run down and good for nothing.' This perception underscores the exploitative conditions and the transient nature of women's work in factories during the period. Factory work offered an opportunity for unmarried women to earn an income and enjoy a measure of independence.
Nevertheless, the world viewed these women in the workforce in a rather utilitarian manner. They were expected to seek employment temporarily until they married, at which point societal norms dictated they should return to more traditional domestic roles. Despite the potential for sexual harassment and the disadvantages such as low wages and poor living conditions, factory jobs were still seen as a preferable alternative to domestic service, which involved longer hours and less personal freedom.
However, over time, the workforce composition changed, with an influx of immigrants willing to work for low pay, which reflected the ongoing changes in industrial labor markets.