This meant that the economy was strengthened as goods were exchanged between these cities and rural farmers had a larger market to sell their harvests. Industrialization meant factories where men and women could work, where parents could sent their children to earn money for the family and for the first time single persons had better opportunity to take care of themselves.

A more genteel way of life had come and people were more class conscious than in the past. Women's clothing was less spartan and more stylish. There was a significant increase in literacy among women. In the case of the wealthier citizens, homes were larger and contained more elaborate furnishings which were purchased rather than made at home. This created a market for items produced by women who worked out of their homes or sometimes in factories.  The Industrial Revolution brought about incipient consumerism among women. Along with a burgeoning population and economic growth, women's roles also grew even if their social status did not. They remained dependent on husbands and fathers.

Family life

Family life changed and with the changes came new social issues. Companionate marriage meant that marriages were no longer arranged by fathers and instead of being based on practicality, they were decided based on less practical things like romance. Up until this point, such things were not only frivolous but impractical. In early colonial settlements, fathers constructed all the marriages that were more similar to  mergers. The right match could help bolster social status, business dealings and add to a family's fortunes. Not only had companionate marriage taken over, but birth order was no longer a determinant of marriages.

With the loss of parental control over marriages, there was an apparent surge in the number of unwed mothers. It was as if a lustful spirit had been released after a prolonged denial of expression. Young women allowed themselves to be romanced and their guard lowered when their boyfriends wooed them with promises of marriage and undying love. Young men took full advantage of women unaccustomed to dealing with more personal freedom. The increase in wanton behavior. and apparent loss of regard for church teachings on that subject necessitated The Great Awakening; a series of revivals between 1725 and 1770. Women's roles in religious instruction expanded and their role in teaching morality was further solidified. Still, despite their roles becoming more overtly vital, women's place in society did not change. But there were definite advantages to companionate marriage. 

For one thing, marriages based on warmth rather than economics made for happier homes. Middle class women found more leisure time and time to spend with children. Until then, mothers often spent most of their time working in the house making things to sell or trade. Fathers were also scarce at times when they took extended trips to do business or hunt. With industry came a lifestyle which allowed parents to work near home if not in it. Again, more time spent with the family was one of the benefits.

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It is important to mention at this point that Middle Class in the 18th century did not mean what it does today. Middle class were families where the mother did not have to supplement the income to support the family. Those who did were Working Class. In a class conscious society such as 18th century people had become, there were many lucky women who took in work to be done at home. This way it was not so obvious that they were working class and they could supplement the husband's income while remaining at home to fulfill domestic responsibilities. They did laundry, sewing, baking and other things that could be done privately. Being middle class meant more time to educate and raise children and more. It meant leisure time that could be spent reading, socializing and taking on more outside interests.