In old time, wife lived in hu*****and's family, do all the housework, took care the old and young, without much power to decide anything. The only advantage is that she didnn't have to make money. It's her hu*****and's responsibility. But she didn't have much power.
Now wifes may have to make money, but they have the power to make at least 80% of decisions (at least in my home). And usually (80%?) they don't have to live with and take care hu*****and's family (parents, old relatives, younger sis/brothers).