Final answer:
Professional roles like lawyers, doctors, and engineers increased the middle class's social status at the turn of the century by distinguishing them from the working class and elevating their influence. Meanwhile, traditional roles such as skilled artisans declined due to mechanization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The changes in professions around the turn of the century led to significant shifts in societal leadership and impacted the status of the middle class. The rise of professional roles such as lawyers, doctors, and engineers played a crucial part in elevating the social standing of the middle class. These professions were part of an emerging middle class that included factory managers, bank employees, salespeople, scientists, and more. They were often seen as symbols of success and respectability, differing from the working class, which consisted mostly of industrial workers and miners. The status of these professional roles allowed the middle class to become more influential in society, often leading to improved social status and increased political power. As these professionals became more prominent, they also played roles in advancing societal reforms and addressing the challenges posed by industrialization and urbanization.
Contrary to this, the craftsmanship of skilled artisans and the traditional work of farmers were overtaken by the mechanized production that favored unskilled laborers in factories. This change contributed to the precarious situation of the petty bourgeoisie and led to a decline in their traditional roles within the economy, reducing their income and threatening their middle-class status.