In A Raisin in the Sun, what is Ruth's relationship with the other family members?

In the play Ruth seems to play the role of mother figure
to all characters. She acts as peacemaker during the various conflicts that go on
between her family. She looks after Travis and does her best to bring him up. She speaks
to Mama on behalf of her husband. Note how she tries to sooth Mama after her argument
with her children:

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RUTH (Soothingly, older than her
years) Now.... you taking it all too serioiusly. You just got strong-willed
children and it takes a strong woman like you to keep 'em in
hand.

It is interesting that
Ruth is described as "older than her years." It is clear that in this family she is the
mature one that manages to hold all of the disparate elements
together.

However, her role as mother figure is most
cemented by the discovery that she is pregnant. Her decision to keep the baby is one of
the key indicators that suggest hope for the Yonger family as they move to their new
place and confirms Ruth's role as nurturer of the Younger
family.