Integrating analytical tools from feminist theory, cultural studies and sociology to illuminate detailed historical evidence, Sonya Rose argues that gender was a central principle of the 19th century industrial transformation in England.

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 "Maintaining the Industrial Supremacy of the Country"; Chapter 3 "We Never Sought Protection for the Men Nor Do We Now"; Chapter 4 "To Do the Best You Can"; Chapter 5 "Mary Had a Little Loom"; Chapter 6 "Manliness, Virtue, and Self-Respect"; Chapter 7 "Brothers and Sisters in Distress"; Chapter 8 Conclusions and Afterthoughts;