Women and property are characterized similarly as acquisitions. Men in this time often marry and make choices for money, so this relationship seems quite transactional. Additionally, the idea that Sanditon is what consumes his time, rather than his family, contributes to the gender role of fathers as "working men" rather than "family men".

The Heywood's are respectable because they assist other families in need; the Parker's need medical attention and comfort, and they give this to them without question.

This is a continuation of Mr. Heywood's comment that he would answer for his daughters and wife. It's an interesting situation when he's giving them opportunity to speak for themselves; however it is doubtful that he thinks their answer will be any different from his. Additionally, the only dialogue we hear in this chapter comes from the fathers, which undermines the idea that their answers and opinions are considered.