Final answer:
The short life expectancy in the society depicted in "Equality" can be primarily explained by a lack of medical advancements and high mortality rates due to violence, leading to men not commonly reaching the age of 45.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "Equality," the short life expectancy in the society could be attributed to two main factors: lack of medical advancements and high mortality rates from violence. The lack of medical advancements implies that diseases or infections that may be treatable or preventable in other societies may lead to death in this society. Furthermore, if the society is plagued by violence, whether it be due to internal conflicts or external wars, the mortality rate could significantly increase, thereby reducing the average life expectancy.
Historically, societies with poor medical technology and high risks of death from various factors, including violence, had much lower life expectancies. Similarly, in the fictional context of "Equality," such societal conditions could lead to men rarely reaching the age of 45.