Historically, the “spinsters” employed at the factories were young girls; many still of marrying age, and most of whom would eventually marry and leave the factory. However, that changed in the late 1800s due to the continued decline in working conditions and the emergences of a new immigrant population (DuBois 170-171). As a result, “spinsters” were no longer young fair-maiden looking to earn some extra cash before being swiped away by their prince charming. Many older, unattached immigrant women were being employed as “spinsters”. This change reinforced the stereotype of “spinsters” being older unmarried woman. (* need citations for this paragraph *add in info from A Letter about Old Maids) Although spinster can be associated with women’s
