Role of Women during the Colonial Period

The girls of the American colonies were educated in order to grow and become fitting wives. After a woman's homemaker education, she was ready for courtship. This took place at about 16 years of age. During this courtship, the woman did have full decision on which she was to marry. While it was ultimately up to her which man she would choose to spend her life with, her family did have some say. Before a man …

…necessarily better than working outside. In the fields, there were groups working together out of the watchful eye of the master, but being in the house meant constant supervision and heightened risk of sexual exploitation Hard physical labor like doing the laundry, carrying water and routine chores such as emptying chamber pots and making beds was expected day to day. They were also at the disposal of their masters and master's wives 24 hours a day.