Which factor significantly contributed to the emergence of new social classes during the Industrial Revolution?

The emergence of new social classes during the Industrial Revolution can largely be attributed to labor exploitation in factories. As industrialization progressed, factory owners sought ways to maximize profits, leading to the exploitation of workers. Many laborers, including women and children, were subjected to long working hours, low wages, and hazardous working conditions. This exploitation created a distinct working class that was separate from the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class, which owned the means of production.

The rise of a working class was a key characteristic of industrial society, leading to increased social stratification. In addition to the working class, there was also a growing middle class, consisting of professionals, managers, and business owners who benefited from industrial growth. This new class structure fundamentally altered social dynamics and laid the groundwork for future social movements, including labor rights activism.

In contrast, the other factors mentioned do not significantly account for the emergence of these classes. Reduction in population growth would not typically contribute to the rise of social classes; rather, industrialization led to urbanization and population increase as people moved to cities for work. Government regulation of businesses was limited in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution; it was only later that nations began to implement regulations to address the conditions of labor. Lastly,