Wife

Wife is a term used to refer to a woman in a marital relationship. The rights and obligations of a wife in relation to her partner and her status in the community and in law vary between cultures and have varied over time.

Definition

A wife is a female partner in a continuing marital relationship. The term continues to be applied to a woman who has separated from her partner, and ceases to be applied to such a woman only when her marriage has come to an end, following a legally recognized divorce or the death of her spouse.

Legal rights

In many cultures, marriage confers upon the wife what are referred to as dower rights. In some societies, a wife may be endowed with property from her husband, that is meant to offer her support should he pass away. In many modern societies, a wife has the legal right to receive life insurance, social security, pension and other benefits upon her husband's death.

Roles and responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a wife vary greatly among cultures and can include the bearing and raising of children, managing the household, and providing support to the husband.

See also

• Husband
• Marriage
• Family law
• Divorce

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