The Early Development of Purchasing Roles in the American Household, 1750 to 1840

Abstract

This article investigates American household purchasing roles from the late colonial era to the mid-nineteenth century. Issues examined include marital authority versus the real balance of power, home production and the gendered division of labor, and family decision-making influences and purchasing behaviors. The article points out historical changes and continuities as well as some social class differences. The concluding section suggests implications for marketing and consumer history as well as some limitations of the research.