In this question, options B-D are clearly wrong. I chose E, but I do understand that the historians never “oppose” to the mechanization of work, they just say it’s bad. But how is A correct as it mentions “both sexes”? Isn’t all of the passage about women only?
I agree with you B, C, and D are wrong. However, I disagree that all of the passage is about women only. While the men are not explicitly mentioned they are referred at many places.
Take a look at the second paragraph which is the most important one for this question because this is where the views of historians who study the history of women are detailed.
“transforming power” - from man to woman
“separation of secretarial work” - the entire point this example is trying to make is the work that was previously considered an apprentice man job that leads to nowhere has now been given to women.
So the lives of both sexes are indeed studied by historians who study the history of women. I wouldn’t eliminate option A) simply because of the mention of both sexes.
Option E) is wrong for the reason you mentioned it is an extreme (oppose) stance when compared to reality (they think it is bad). You can eliminate E for this reason. That leaves option A alone, you are right to give importance to the phrase ‘both sexes’. If you go back to the second paragraph you will realize both sexes are referred there although not explicitly.