Life as a woman in the colonial (殖民的) America seems quite different from it is today. Women were considered inferior to men, a fact （56） in tradition, law, and religion. Their place was in the home, （57） they were to serve as devoted wives and mothers. They were therefore considered unfit to operate （58） political beings and unable to （59） the benefits of citizenship given to men. Very few women （60） a college education, secured a well-paid job, or pursued a fruitful career. Other than marrying well, they could do （61） to improve their economic status.
（62） their secondary status, women （63） play a central role in developing, civilizing, and advancing the nation long before the United States gained its independence （64） Great Britain. During the colonial period, they made great contributions to family and community. They worked alongside their husbands （65） family survival demanded that chores (杂事) be shared by all. Women helped to sow, plant, and harvest crops. They （66） pigs and chickens, planted gardens and milked cows. This need for shared male and female labor （67） a constant theme (主题)as families moved to the frontier, where all family members' having to work （68） essential.
（69） scholars still debate the nature of white women's standing during the colonial period, many of them admit that colonial women （70） some standing in their families and communities （71） their contributions were so essential. A woman might （72） chores in the home but also assist her husband in （73） a newspaper or a store. But this cooperative(合作的)approach did not translate into （74） rights for women; instead, it （75） the realities and uncertainties of colonial life.