traditionally has been considered the main purchasing agent for the family in the areas of food, household products, and clothing, although this is changing as more work outside the home.

The correct answer is letter "C": The wife.

Explanation:

While talking about multicultural work environments in the U.S., women represented 50% of the total labor force in December 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). In 2018 the percentage was 49%. The increasing rate of women leaving their households to work has changed their consumer habits.  

In the past, women's purchases were mainly related to basic staples for their household. Housewives were considered the main purchasing agent for that reason. However, that situation is changing as more women are joining the workforce year by year.