Whether husband and wife are equal in the marriage act?
Objections
❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that husband and wife are not equal in the marriage act. For according to Augustine (Gen. ad lit. xii) the agent is more noble than the patient. But in the marriage act the husband is as agent and the wife as patient. Therefore they are not equal in that act.
❌ Objection 2 : Further, the wife is not bound to pay her husband the debt without being asked; whereas he is so bound, as stated above (Articles [1],2). Therefore they are not equal in the marriage act.
❌ Objection 3 : Further, the woman was made on the man's account in reference to marriage according to Gn. 2:18, "Let us make him a help like unto himself." But that on account of which another thing is, is always the principal. Therefore, etc.
❌ Objection 4 : Further, marriage is chiefly directed to the marriage act. But in marriage "the husband is the head of the wife" (Eph. 5:23). Therefore they are not equal in the aforesaid act.