Final answer:
The MAIN factor affecting gender identification in traditional Native American groups was the social roles and division of labor within the community, which were more fluid and less rigid than European gender norms. these roles often reflected the economic systems and spiritual beliefs of the tribes. the European colonization introduced the enforcement of European gender norms, but recent movements have led to a resurgence in the recognition of traditional indigenous gender systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among traditional Native American groups of North America, the MAIN factor affecting gender identification was the division of labour and societal roles rather than strict biological determinants. In many indigenous societies, gender roles were fluid, and individuals who did not conform to traditionally assigned roles had the freedom to adopt different gender identities. Notably, the roles between men and women were often complementary. Women could be the principal farmers and leaders, and men sometimes adopted roles and clothing typically associated with women, without facing the punishment or maltreatment common in European societies.
During the European colonization of North America, these fluid gender roles began to change as Native Americans were pressured to assimilate to Euro-American norms. Tribes such as the Iroquois, Navajo, and Crow had their own systems of gender that were distinct from the rigid gender binaries promoted by European colonizers. The pre-colonial gender systems often reflected the economic systems and spiritual beliefs of Native American communities, where tasks and social roles were divided among genders in a way that was functional for their lifestyles.However, with the inception of the American LGBTQ movement, there has been a rediscovery and revival of these more flexible traditional gender systems as part of preserving Native American heritage and identity.