Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is c. their frequent holding of positions previously restricted to men.
During the Second Industrial Revolution, which took place from the mid-19th to early 20th century, there were significant changes in the social role of middle-class women in the United States. While options a and b did have an impact on women's lives during this time, it was option c that changed the social role of middle-class women the most.
With the advent of industrialization and the expansion of the economy, new employment opportunities emerged in various sectors. Middle-class women started to enter the workforce in larger numbers and began to hold positions that were previously reserved for men. This shift allowed women to challenge traditional gender norms and gain independence outside of the home.
As women increasingly entered the workforce and took on new roles, their social status and influence began to change. They demonstrated their capabilities and skills in fields such as education, nursing, clerical work, and even some professions like journalism and social work. These positions provided them with opportunities for personal growth, financial autonomy, and social mobility.
The increased participation of middle-class women in the workforce also contributed to the women's suffrage movement and the broader fight for women's rights. It challenged societal expectations and led to the recognition that women were capable of more than just being confined to the domestic sphere.