There is usually a natural hierarchy in the household. The man who provides will shelter and protect the woman and their children.
The problem comes when the man is not the bread winner. He has to accept he's equal to the woman especially when they haven't have children yet. This doesn't happen if you have inate leadership abilities, or just physical dominance. The woman voluntarily becomes submissive.
The problem really is when men who aren't breadwinners, who aren't physically bigger and don't have the classic masculine traits (being of tall stature, more athletic/muscular body composition) FORCE a woman who doesn't feel inferior to the man, to bow down.
So if you're 5ft 6, chubby and ugly with 20k a year salary and a wife you support with welfare/benefits from the government, don't be surprised if the woman isn't submissive.