Is it true that social realism was an artistic reaction to the ill effects of the Industrial Revolution?

Social realism indeed emerged as an artistic movement in response to the drastic social, economic, and cultural changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. As industrialization led to profound shifts in society, with many people moving to urban areas and facing harsh living and working conditions, artists and writers sought to depict the realities of these changes. They aimed to represent the lives of ordinary people, highlight social injustices, and provoke thought regarding the stark effects of industrialization on human life. Through this lens, social realism became a platform for critique and commentary, emphasizing the need for social reform and advocating for the struggles of the working class. Thus, the assertion that social realism was a reaction to the ill effects of the Industrial Revolution aligns well with the historical context and objectives of the movement.