The question resolves itself ultimately into whether the average man will in the future be able to support a family without the financial assistance of his wife; and whether society can afford, either industrially or morally, to support an increasing number of idle women. The question will be solved by one of two forces and probably by both. These are economic necessity and our educational institutions. To prophesy the effects of these forces upon the status of women in the future, it would be necessary to assume that these forces themselves are in no immediate danger of undergoing radical changes. The assumption would be wrong, for the atmosphere is charged with discontent with the present economic conditions. When the latter are sufficiently controlled to assure a measure of contentment among the people the home will adjust itself like any other adaptable institution. Many of the responsibilities formerly associated with the home are now performed by the state municipality. This changed condition is especially noticeable in the care and education of children. The functions of the state are no longer confined exclusively to police powers, but aim through constructive legislation to bring about industrial and social conditions conducive to the welfare of all its citizens. Through its educational policies it is possible for the government to so regulate and develop the institutions of society as to minimize some of the evils arising out of modern economic life, and to direct social ideals which will reflect themselves in the industrial habits of man. The home and all allied institutions show the influence of economic habits, and whatever changes take place in the latter--whether resulting from a conscious social influence or a _laissez-faire_ policy in industry--will in time make themselves felt in the former. The home comes nearer being an expression of the industrial development of mankind than any other institution of society. FOOTNOTES: [115] Patten. BIBLIOGRAPHY Adams, Henry. _Historical Essays._ New York, 1891. Adams, Thomas Sewell, and Summer, Helen L., _Labor Problems_. New York, London, 1905. Addams, Jane. _Democracy and Social Ethics._ New York, 1902. Ashley, William James. _An Introduction to English Economic History and Theory._ New York. 1888-93 (2 v.). Bachofen, J. J. _Das Mutterrechts_ eine Untersuchung über die Gynaikokratie der alten Welt nach ihrer religiösen und rechtlichen Natur. Stuttgart, 1861. Bagehot, Walter. _Physics and Politics._ London, 1872. Bailey, William Bacon. _Modern Social Conditions_: a statistical study of birth, marriage, divorce, death, disease, suicide, immigration, etc., with special reference to the U. S. New York, 1906. Bliss, William D. P. (Editor-in-chief) _The New Encyclopedia of Social Reform._ New York, London, 1908. Booth, Charles. _Labour and Life of the People._ 3 vols. ed. 3 London, 1891.