What assumptions does senator owens make, about the differences between men and women? in his opinion, how do these differences affect a woman's‟ ability to perform her civic duty?

The answer to your question is that this spousal obligation continued after death or divorce. On marriage a wife obtained a dower right to the use, for her natural life, of one-third of the husband's property after his death, regardless of any will to the contrary. She retained that right even if he sold the property before he died, unless she specifically relinquished it.