How did the Second Great Awakening change society? Responses It encouraged businesses to pay women as much as men. It encouraged businesses to pay women as much as men. It made people believe that going to church was unimportant. It made people believe that going to church was unimportant. It encouraged more rights to be given to African Americans. It encouraged more rights to be given to African Americans. It encouraged a fairer family life in which husbands and wives worked together.