Widespread social changes during the Industrial Revolution were caused by various factors, including urbanization, technological advancements, and changes in labor practices. As industries grew, people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of work, transforming social dynamics. Innovation, such as the steam engine, streamlined production, giving rise to factories and altering traditional labor systems. Additionally, working conditions led to the formation of labor movements which demanded better rights and wages. This period also saw shifts in gender roles, with women entering the workforce, thus reshaping societal expectations and norms.