One of the major barriers between women and equality during the antebellum era was the doctrine of separate spheres. The doctrine coined two distinct areas: that of men and that of women. Men, physically and mentally stronger, were considered suitable for world politics, work and war. Women, on the other hand, due to their tender and delicate nature, were tied to domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning and motherhood. Before the antebellum period, because most American families led hard, harsh agricultural lives in which field work and housework were closely related, the distinction between the two spheres was marginal, and women were also considered equally vigorous and resistance of men. However, as the nation entered the antebellum period and agricultural life was gradually replaced by city life, this perception changed dramatically. The idea that women are weak and fragile has become increasingly popular. They were kept at home, away from all the “filth and evil” of the city, and with them from their property, voting and other rights. Before her marriage, a woman could own property, manage businesses, enter into contracts, file lawsuits, be accused of crimes, and keep her earnings. However, once she married, all her previous rights became invalid as her legal identity merged with that of her husband. The husband would have control over all the properties he had owned before and those he acquired later. The only way for women to keep ownership of their property intact was to remain single. However, maintaining that status was nearly impossible. In the early 19th century, almost all jobs and professions excluded female employment. This left women who wished to remain single with only their personal and family well-being... middle of paper......www.historycentral.com/Ant/People/Women.html>.History. "Underground Railway." History. Np, nd Web. November 17, 2013. McDaid, Jennifer. "Women's Struggle for Equality: The First Phase, 1828-1876." H-Net. Np, June 1998. Web. November 12, 2013. .PBS. “Conditions of Antebellum Slavery.” PBS. Np, nd Web. November 13, 2013. .PBS. “Eric Foner on the Fugitive Slave Law.” PBS. Np, nd Web. November 13, 2013. .Perez, Marjory Allen. “Early African American and Antislavery Newspapers: Sources for African American Genealogical Research.” Archives. Np, 2 June 2009. Web. 14 November. 2013. .