Question

When we look at the history of how women were perceived and treated in the Colonial era we must come to the conclusion that having 12 to 15 children over the course of their lifetimes meant they were educated and offered many different avenues for personal growth.

Answer 1

Women in the Colonial era often had multiple domestic and child-rearing responsibilities, which did not necessarily lead to their education or personal growth. The concept of 'maternal feminism' and improved educational opportunities for girls have gradually increased women's influence and decreased the number of children they have.

Step-by-step explanation:

Looking at the history of how women were perceived and treated in the Colonial era, it is clear that their roles were predominantly centered around domestic responsibilities and child-rearing. Having 12 to 15 children would by no means automatically imply that women were educated or given avenues for personal growth.

Quite the opposite, women in colonial America often shouldered enormous responsibilities both domestically and in supporting the war effort during the independence war, which enlarged their workload and cemented their traditional roles.

As industrialization progressed, the concept of 'maternal feminism' emerged, where women started to bring their nurturing qualities into the public sphere for greater influence. Additionally, in low-income economies, increased education for girls is proven to lead to them having fewer children. This is a consequence of better understanding and access to reproductive rights and opportunities for personal growth beyond the home.