Why was work so gendered in 19TH Century?

In the 19th century, work was highly gendered due to prevailing societal norms and expectations that defined distinct roles for men and women. Men were typically associated with public life and skilled labor, seen as the primary breadwinners, while women were relegated to domestic duties and unskilled labor, often in the home or in textile factories. This division was reinforced by legal and educational barriers that limited women’s access to certain professions and economic opportunities. Additionally, industrialization and the rise of the middle class further entrenched these gender roles, as women’s contributions were often undervalued and overlooked.