Legal Definitions - separate-spheres doctrine

The separate-spheres doctrine is a historical concept in family law that refers to the belief that wives were limited to controlling the home, or the personal or domestic sphere, while husbands had control of the public sphere. This doctrine was prevalent in the early 19th century and dictated that the wife's role was to tend to the home and family, while the husband's role was to be the breadwinner.

For example, a husband would go out to work and earn money to support his family, while the wife would stay at home and take care of the children, cook, clean, and perform other domestic duties. The husband was seen as the head of the household and had the final say in all matters, while the wife was expected to be subservient and obedient.

This doctrine was based on the belief that men and women had different roles to play in society, and that women were naturally suited to domestic duties, while men were better suited to public life. However, this belief has been challenged over time, and today, many people believe that men and women should have equal opportunities and be able to pursue their interests and careers without being limited by their gender.