In some ways, gender roles under slavery differed markedly from those in the larger society. Why did the nineteenth century's "cult of domesticity" not apply to slave women?

Slave women were expected to work in the fields with the men, not take care of the home life.

They were apportioned almost the same task given to men, not considering their gender. In Africa, woman's primary social role was that of being a mother (tending the kids and making meals in the home). In slavery, this aspect of African womanhood was debased. They were however treated a bit softly whenever they are pregnant, or have just given birth.