Why are women and children employed to work in factories in the 20th century?

Women and children were employed in factories during the 20th century primarily due to economic necessity and the demand for cheap labor. Factories often sought to minimize costs, and women and children could be paid lower wages than men. Additionally, societal norms at the time allowed for their employment in less skilled, labor-intensive jobs, particularly during periods of high demand, such as during World War I and II, when the male workforce was depleted. This exploitation was often justified by the belief that women and children were less capable of demanding better working conditions and wages.