In Martha Ballard's time, she only attends church occasionally and nothing is said or done about it. .
Most definitely, the politics changed. "With this political change a new idea of thought and individualism appeared in the new republic. What began to be seen was the emphasis of individual rights over patriarchs" control. Even the ideas of public displays of corporal punishment were increasingly abandoned." Consequently, there seems to be a slipping of control from the patriarch of the family. As we have seen in the past, women could and did assume control under certain circumstances. When the men would leave, their wives would take on the role of deputy husbands. The business or the farm survives and at times even prospers. While this is considered a normal occurrence, as time moved on the women's ability was never in doubt, however, how society looked upon it changed. Perhaps it was not considered necessary to be able to do certain chores or duties any more. After all the male of the family had the education, and responsibility to look after the women of the family. .
Looking at the late 17th century and into the middle of the 18th century in America, more self-reliance shows throughout the colonies. The times are more structured; consider the rule of the king verses a republican form of government. In addition, religion has a stronger hold on society at this time. It shows in everyday life and even in the law. At this time, it was only necessary to receive a most basic of education. The males would learn how to read and do some basic math. The women were expected to learn household chores, and teach their daughters the same skills they knew. Formal education was reserved for those who needed a skill such as shipwrights, merchants or artisans. The upper class received an education that included writing, geography, math, and other skills. This level of education included the clergy and government officials, who received a somewhat better education than the ordinary folk.