Final answer:
In the late 19th century, women's societal roles transformed as they managed households and engaged in community social projects. Despite facing legal and social constraints, periods like the Gilded Age and the post-WWI era saw changes in expectations, rights, and fashion for women, culminating in a shift towards greater personal freedom and societal impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the late 19th century, the role of women in society saw significant changes, particularly in relation to the Industrial Revolution. Women, who had traditionally been confined to domestic spheres, began to take their household management skills into the wider community through various social projects. This era, known as the Gilded Age or the Victorian Era, posed new challenges and opportunities.
Women were seen as the guardians of virtue and were central to the family unit, educating children in Christian values amid the era's revivalism.
Despite this moral leadership role, they faced severe legal and social restrictions, such as the inability to vote or own property, and had to adhere to strict gender norms in dress and behavior.
Significant shifts occurred after the First World War, as women's fashion became less restrictive and many were left single due to the wartime loss of men. The rise of the 'flapper' and the 'new woman' signaled evolving views on women's roles, with greater expectations for personal freedom and societal contribution. Additionally, as literacy rates soared and education became more accessible, women's horizons were broadened, enabling them to contribute more substantially to the cultural and intellectual fabric of their countries.