Final answer:
In the early 20th century, northern working-class people typically earned money at home through piecework, taking in laundry, childcare, and boarding. They also contributed to the cottage industry by engaging in manufacturing tasks such as spinning and weaving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most northern people during the early periods of industrialization in the United States, particularly in the working-class segment, found ways to earn money from their homes. Women, for example, played a significant role by engaging in piecework, which involved taking raw materials and assembling them into finished products such as toys, costume jewelry, and artificial flowers. These products were often created in their living spaces, allowing women to also tend to household responsibilities and childcare.
In addition to piecework, northern women often took in laundry or cared for the children of neighbors who worked outside the home. Some families with ample living space might take in boarders to supplement their income. The boarders would share living spaces and in return, the women would provide meals and housekeeping services. Moreover, the advent of the cottage industry allowed families to be involved in various forms of manufacturing, such as spinning, weaving, and other crafts, which contributed to the household economy.