Dynamic Change

     As it became harder and harder for men to find work and provide for their families they withdrew. The men became less active in the lives of their families while the women stepped up in being the provider for the families. When money was low and jobs where scares the women would have to find ways to keep the family intact. That sometimes meant making the decisions and becoming the leader of the family. In the novel Ma became upset with Pa’s lack of commitment to the families living conditions and tells him that he, “ain’t got no right to get discouraged,” (351). The family dynamics take a drastic change and the women like Ma have to figure out a way for their families to survive. 

     As women take control they become in charge of not only the tradition domestic work, but figuring out who's working, how much are they making, when to move from one location to the next, etc. They become the voice of the family and as the men lose their place in the society because they feel like failures the women act as the anchor.