The rise of the middle class refers to the significant growth and emergence of a socioeconomic group that gained wealth, education, and influence during the Renaissance, primarily due to trade, commerce, and the flourishing arts. This new class challenged traditional social hierarchies dominated by the nobility and clergy, thereby reshaping societal norms and contributing to cultural and economic changes. As the middle class expanded, it played a pivotal role in redefining gender roles and opportunities for women, particularly in education and employment.
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