> The business about "character requirements" and visiting the employees' homes also looks like a conscious attempt to control where the workers fit in the clas

> The business about "character requirements" and visiting the employees' homes also looks like a conscious attempt to control where the workers fit in the class system. I won't say that wasn't part of it. But I see a stronger connection to risk management. Reducing turnover means making sure you hire people who won't suddenly be arrested, hospitalized, or forget because they're too drunk. And the language requirement makes sure everyone in the factory can communicate with everyone else. The rules for women are likely just sexism though.