It states that women must be kept in a state of dependence.
"Their fathers protect them in childhood; their husbands protect them in youth; their sons protect them in age.

A woman is never fit for independence." It is the duty of men to watch and guard women, and very unfavorable opinions are expressed concerning the female character.
"Women have no business with the text of the Veda; this is fully settled; therefore having no knowledge of expiatory texts, sinful women must be as foul as falsehood itself.

This is a fixed law." It is, however, stated that good women become like goddesses, and shall be joined with their husbands in heaven; and that a man is only perfect when he consists of three persons united,--his wife, himself, and his son.

Manu also attributes to ancient Brahmans a maxim almost verbally the same as that of the Bible, namely, "The husband is even one person with his wife." Nothing is said by Manu concerning the cremation of widows, but, on the other hand, minute directions are given for the behavior of widows during their life.

Directions are also given concerning the marriage of daughters and sons and their inheritance of property.