Early life in the American colonies was hard. Everyone had to pitch in to produce the necessities of life; there was little room for slackers. Because men outnumbered women by a significant number in the early southern colonies, life there, especially family life, was relatively unstable. But the general idea was that all colonials had to work to survive meant that everyone, male and female, had to do one’s job. The work required to sustain a family in the environments of the early colonies was needed for all.

While the women had to sew, cook, take care of domestic animals, make many of the necessities used in the household such as soap, candles, clothing, and other necessities, the men were busy building, repairing tools, harvesting crops, hunting, fishing, and protecting the family from whatever threat might come, from wild animals to Indians. The colonists brought with them traditional attitudes about the proper status and roles of women. Women were considered to be the “weaker ones,” not as strong physically or mentally as men and less emotionally stable. They couldn’t vote, hold public office, or participate in legal matters on their own behalf, and chances to go outside the home were limited. Women were expected to listen to their husbands and be obedient to them without questions. Husbands, in return, were expected to protect their wives against all threats, even at the cost of their own lives if necessary.

It is clear that separation of labor existed in the colonies. Women did traditional work generally associated with females. But because labor was so valuable in the colonies, many women were able to show their worth by being midwives, merchants, printers, and even doctors. In addition, women often had to step in to their husband’s roles in case of injury or illness. Women were able to contribute to the labor involved in farming by helping