What is the meaning of "head and master"?

As late as the 1970's, many American states retained "head and master" laws, giving the husband final say over where the family lived and other household decisions. According to the legal definition of marriage, the man was required to support the family, while the woman was obligated to keep house, nurture children, and provide sex. Not until the 1980's did most states criminalize marital rape. Prevailing opinion held that when a bride said, "I do," she was legally committed to say, "I will" for the rest of her married life.

further reading:

http://www.jofreeman.com/lawandpolicy/revlaw.htm

http://stephaniecoontz.com/articles/article23.htm