How are female factory workers treated? They were paid less per hour than men were paid? They were given short working hours for fear of exhaustion? They usually work next to men in the same industries? or they were typically not hired until they were older?

Female factory workers have historically faced a range of challenges and discriminatory practices in the workplace. Here are some key points regarding their treatment:

1. **Pay Disparities**: Female factory workers were often paid less per hour than their male counterparts for the same work. This wage gap has been a persistent issue across various industries, reflecting broader societal inequalities.

2. **Working Hours**: There have been instances where female workers were given shorter working hours, often rooted in concerns about exhaustion or traditional gender roles. However, such practices could vary significantly depending on the time period, industry, and specific employer policies.

3. **Workforce Composition**: In many industries, women worked alongside men, but they often faced disadvantages in terms of job security, advancement opportunities, and pay. Despite working in the same environments, they frequently encountered systemic barriers.

4. **Age and Hiring Practices**: There is no consistent trend suggesting that women were typically not hired until they were older. In some cases, younger women were employed, especially in sectors like textiles and clothing. However, the timing of hiring could also depend on societal attitudes and economic needs at the time.

In summary, while female factory workers have historically experienced lower pay and unequal treatment, their specific conditions of work could vary widely based on the context and time period.

Select one of the answers I provided

Among the options you provided, the statement that best reflects the historical treatment of female factory workers is: **"They were paid less per hour than men were paid."** This wage disparity has been a longstanding issue, with women often earning lower wages for similar or the same work compared to their male peers.