Pa complained, "Seems like the man ain’t got no say no more. She’s jus’ a heller. Come time we get settled down, I’m a-gonna smack her."
– John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 26. Pa Joad continues to bluster about Ma taking control of the family. He speaking of smacking her when they get settled down. We know that his threats are hollow because Ma’s position as family leader is firmly established.