What percentage of women held jobs by the turn of the 20th century? what types of work did they do?

Around the turn of the 20th century, the percentage of women in the workforce varied significantly based on region, socio-economic status, and other factors. On average, approximately 20-25% of women were part of the labor force in the United States by that time.

The types of work women engaged in during this period varied widely:

1. Domestic Service: A significant number of women, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, worked as domestic servants in the households of wealthier families. This was one of the most common occupations for women at the time.
2. Textile Factories: Many women were employed in textile factories, especially in New England. They worked in roles such as spinners, weavers, and seamstresses.
3. Teaching: Teaching was one of the few professions deemed socially acceptable for women. Many women worked as teachers in schools, especially in rural areas and at elementary levels.
4. Clerical Work: Some women were employed in clerical positions, working as typists, bookkeepers, or secretaries in offices.
5. Sales and Retail: Women were also employed in retail positions, working in stores as clerks or shop assistants.
6. Agricultural Labor: In rural areas, women often engaged in agricultural work, assisting with farming tasks such as planting, harvesting, and animal care.
7. Social Reform and Activism: Some women were involved in social reform movements and activism, advocating for causes such as women's suffrage, labor rights and social welfare.

It's important to note that while women were increasingly entering the workforce, they faced significant challenges, including lower wages compared to men, limited job opportunities and societal expectations that often confined them to specific roles deemed suitable for women at the time.