What was a characteristic of the working conditions during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, a defining characteristic of working conditions was the prevalence of long hours for low wages. Many factory workers, including women and children, often toiled for 12 to 16 hours a day in harsh conditions. The drive for profit led employers to minimize labor costs, which resulted in unreasonably low wages, making it difficult for workers to sustain their families. This systemic exploitation highlighted the lack of labor rights and protections during that era, which contributed to the eventual rise of labor unions and movements advocating for better working conditions.

The emphasis on profit maximization and productivity overshadowed concerns for worker safety and well-being, contrasting sharply with the other options which suggest more favorable working conditions.