?The colonial era was thought by many to be the "Golden Age" for American women. This was a time where women had little, if any, rights other than their husband's, but the work that these women did was considered of great economic importance. Women were considered of great importance when it came to certain tasks that needed to be done, and are, in many instances, recognized for their hard work and dedication to keeping a household afloat, keeping the men happy, and doing their part behind the scene in politics. It is argued that women's status was valuable during this period, because of their work in the household economy. Then again, a woman was still not considered equal to that of a man, regardless of how important her role was.
             Women were in charge of taking care of the household economy. Household economy would include everyone that was in the home, children, borders, servants, slaves, etc. Most of the time a wife would be the one taking care of the household economy, but in some instances men would have to hire help in the event that he was not married. Therefore, a wife was extremely important. She would keep a vegetable garden and chickens, she would make the soap and candles, the food, the bedding, keep the house clean, make and mend clothing, start the fire and keep it going so there was warmth and light, and bring in extra money by selling things. She would also produce the children and take care of them. They were not all equal members but their work was valued. It was understood that the work a woman provided in a home was valuable, and although a woman's work differed from that of a man, they were of equal value (Early American Women, slide 10).
             The women's economy had to do with more than just household chores. Women would barter, trade, and apprentice their daughters. Midwives were an important part of apprenticing their daughters. A midwife was going to be the only medical practitioner available and they were...