The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck features a family rooted in male leadership. However, the difficult journey they endure disintegrates this patriarchal control, leaving women, Ma in particular, to take matters into their own hands. While Dad falls behind, guilt-ridden by his inability to provide for his family, Mom must make the decisions. It is she who takes charge of the life of her family and, through a passionate bond, that of all humanity as well. Steinbeck illustrates how Ma Joad is the strong force within the family who realizes the true value and meaning of life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay At the beginning of the novel, it is the men of the family who control decision-making for the Joad clan. Even Mom, an adult, turns to her son for comfort in his apprehension in chapter ten. “Tom, I hope everything is going well in California…it seems so nice, a little bit. I've seen the guys fade away with bills, and how much they cost, and high salaries and everything; and I saw in the paper that they wanted people to come pick grapes and oranges and peaches. It would be good work, Tom, to pick peaches...I'm afraid of such nice things. I don't have faith. I'm afraid someone won't be so nice about this. (90-91) As the chapter progresses, it becomes clear that women are not considered essential and influential in family politics. “Dad was crouching there, looking at the truck, his chin in his cupped fist. And Uncle John came towards him and squatted down beside him. Their eyes were dark. Grandpa came out of the house and saw the two squatting together, he jumped up and sat on the running board of the truck in front of them. That was the core. Tom, Connie, and Noah came in and squatted down, and the line formed a semi-circle with Grandpa in the opening. And then Mom came out of the house, and Grandma with her, and Rose of Sharon behind, walking delicately. They took their place behind the crouching men. (100) “Squatting” men form the patriarchal structure of the family. Their position signifies a position of authority and intent, precisely resolving the problems presented to them. Ma, Granma and Rose of Sharon, regardless of their presence, are not included in the decision-making semi-circle. This exclusion is both deliberate and traditional. The family has always been led and controlled by men. This patriarchal family structure begins to change as Pa silently relinquishes his authority. The family endures turmoil and adversity, and a feeling of guilt arises within Pa. He can no longer take care of his family; her love is not enough to feed her children or keep Granpa alive. Thus, Pa closes his doors, gradually removing the important role of head of the family for his wife. Mom, even though she never speaks it, sees her husband upset and she asserts her authority in the family. When the Wilsons' car breaks down, Tom and Casy decide to stay behind to repair it, but Mom won't allow the family to be divided. “'What do you mean, you're not going to go? You have to go. You have to take care of the family. Dad was astonished at the revolt... Mom walked towards the passenger car and reached out her hand towards the floor of the back seat. She pulled out a jack handle and balanced it easily in her hand. “I’m not going to go,” she said… Mom’s mouth tightened. She said softly: 'The only way for me to leave is to hit myself... And I will shame you, Papa... I swear before the Holy Jesus that I.