In order to establish herself as wife or owner of the house, any woman tries to create a identity for herself. She defines her roles and responsibilities. Its only after she establishes herself, she will be able to completely trust relationship with her husband and be confident.

In that process, vulnerability of man helps! If man depends on his wife for needs, that helps her in owning the house, family and her role. (Here, I am only talking about needs that are not associated with any stereotypes).

Its impossible for woman to establish herself in two extreme cases. One is when there is no expectations from her. Other one is when there are too many expectations from her which makes her feel like she is being demanded.