Final answer:
In the Victorian era, societal roles changed, particularly in terms of gender. Men began working outside the home, while women were left with domestic responsibilities. The flapper movement in the 1920s challenged Victorian ideals and led to further changes in gender roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Victorian era, societal roles underwent significant changes, particularly in terms of gender roles. As the Industrial Revolution took place, more men started working outside of the home, while women were left to fulfill traditional domestic responsibilities, such as housekeeping and child-rearing. Middle-class women were expected to be modest, private, and morally upright, adhering to strict Victorian values.
However, by the early 20th century, there was a backlash against these restrictive gender codes. Women began to challenge societal norms, exemplified by the flapper movement in the 1920s.
Flappers rejected the Victorian ideal of a proper woman and engaged in behaviors that were deemed scandalous at the time, such as smoking, drinking, and wearing more revealing clothing.
It is important to note that not all women experienced the same changes in societal roles. Poor women often worked as domestic workers or in light-industry factory jobs, while wealthier women were influential in shaping public opinion about gender roles. Despite these variations, the Victorian era marked a significant shift in societal expectations for women.