“Lowell Girls” To work in their new mills, the company hired young women from nearby farms. The Lowell

girls, as they came to be called, usually worked for a few years in the mills before returning home to marry.
These young women, and women like them in other mill towns, made an important economic contribution to American society by providing labor for the Industrial Revolution. Most sent their wages home to their families. At first, parents hesitated to let their daughters work in the mills. To reassure parents, the company built
boardinghouses, or buildings with many shared bedrooms and a kitchen that served meals. The company also made rules to protect the young women.

How did the Industrial Revolution change the roles of women?

The Industrial Revolution changed the roles of women by providing them with new opportunities to work outside of the home. Women were able to earn wages and contribute to their families' incomes, which allowed them to gain more independence and autonomy. The Industrial Revolution also allowed women to gain access to education and training, which enabled them to pursue new career paths.