Final answer:
Both functionalism and conflict theory view traditional gender roles as socially constructed, with functionalism seeing them as functional for societal harmony and conflict theory viewing them as a result of societal inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both functionalism and conflict theory regard traditional gender roles as socially constructed. Functionalism views these roles as arising from a division of labor that is based on sex, which ensures that families are well balanced and that society functions properly. For instance, men were tasked with responsibilities outside the home like hunting, while women took care of the domestic responsibilities. This division was deemed functional, particularly because women were often limited by the physical restraints of pregnancy and nursing.
On the other hand, conflict theory sees traditional gender roles as a manifestation of inequality within society, which arises from differences in gender, class, race, and age. It posits that these roles are a byproduct of sociocultural evolution where power dynamics lead to the perpetuation of inequalities.