The Bible of Blackwater County question

I am about a third of the way through the book. I am upset by the unfairness. Bessie’s parents keep churning out babies they can’t support while letting Bessie bear the burdens. She has chores, she cares for the younger children, she takes on adult responsibilities when her mother can’t cope. She also feels the responsibility of providing for her family when her father loses his job and mopes and drinks while the family is supported by the money she brings in, much of it coming from an older man who is pursuing her affections Then, when she gets involved with that older man chiefly because of what he does for her family, he punishes her and shames her.. Her mother is sympathetic but ineffective. Is her mother actually facilitating the arrangement when she makes her the dress? Why doesn’t anyone speak up for her?