Family roles
Among the more modern Mennonites, the roles are not strictly defined. Often both spouses work outside the home so work at home is shared between spouses. Family life is important for all Mennonites. Children are loved and taught respect, discipline and obedience. Children who live on the farms learn quickly that they are needed to help with work. Children who live in towns and cities are also assigned chores both inside and outside the house.
Family roles in the more conservative groups are more defined. Often the family lives on a farm so the husband takes care of the farm, the wife takes care of the home and the children. However, the whole family is often involved in projects together, particularly at times of harvest of crops, garden vegetables, etc. The wife does not work outside the home at another job. In the conservative churches, men are the leaders and the women may not hold leadership roles or participate in a public way.
