He might leave his wife (or wives), then widow (or widows), a dower (often a third or a half of his estate) to support her as dowager.As an external symbol of the fact that they are married, each spouse commonly wears a wedding ring on the ring finger; whether this is on the left or right hand depends on the countrys tradition. Husband further refers to the institutionalized form in relation to the spouse and offspring, unlike father, a term that puts a man into the context of his children. Also compare the similar husbandry, which in the 14th century referred to the care of the household, but today means the "control or judicious use of resources", conservation, and in agriculture, the cultivation of plants and animals, and the science about its profession. Western culture
Historical status
In premodern heterosexual unions (ancient Roman, medieval, and early modern history), a husband was obliged to protect and support not only his wife and children, but servants and animals of his domain. The father (as the "patron") was awarded with much authority, differing from that of his wife (in these cultures, no polygamy existed).In the Middle Ages and Early Modern European history, it was unusual to marry out of love, but then doing so became an influential ideal. During this period, a husband in a heterosexual marriage had more opportunities in society than his wife, who was not recognized as legally independent. Contemporary status
In contemporary secularized Western culture, the rights of the spouses have been made equal.
The civil marriage generally forces the wealthier spouse, "breadwinner", to provide alimony to the former spouse, even after separation and also after a divorce (see also Law and divorce around the world). The legal status of marriage allows each spouse to speak on the others behalf when one is incapacitated (e.g., in a coma); a husband is also responsible for his spouses child(ren) in states where he is automatically assumed to be the biological father. Religion
Christianity
In Christianity, according to the Bible, a husband in a heterosexual marriage has a number of duties:

To present his bride to God throughout their lives as perfectly holy and virtuous as can be. To protect his wife with his own life, physically, emotionally and "spiritually". To "lay down" his life, counting her more important than himself. To lead his wife and his family into the best things for them. To be the best that he can be in Gods power. To not withhold his body from her. Islam
In Islamic marital jurisprudence, husbands are considered protectors of the household and their wives. As protector, the husband has various rights and obligations that he is expected to fulfill and thus is offered opportunities different from that of his wife or wives, not only in legal and economical affairs of the family but within the family as well. As in most cases in Islam law and culture, everything is being related to the Quran. Many Muslims may agree on a perfectly equal relationship.