Separate Property means that which was acquired before the marriage received during the marriage by one spouse only as a gift, or inheritance can become community property if comingled with the marriage's goods. Separate property states are few anymore but require that all income property is retained by the acquiring spouse. Leaves housewives in the lurch - usually some alimony rule is in effect. In a sense, the wife loses her identity - names, residence, and assumes husband's. Wife is responsible for things domestic - thus she can't accumulate capital from her labor without specific legals.
Wife is responsible for child care and custody usually in the case of divorce.
Husband and wife have exclusive sexual rights to each other and to no others. Laws of adultery and fornication are present in many states. Failure to permit sexual access is grounds for divorce. Marriage as a Commitment and a Transition From David Olson's Guidelines for a Happier Marriage Individuals should not be encouraged to marry early. Maturity and financial independence should come first.