Question

How are the roles of the oldest daughter and oldest son distinct in many cultures?

A. The oldest daughter is responsible for household chores, while the oldest son is expected to provide for the family.
B. The oldest daughter often takes on a caregiving role, while the oldest son may inherit family responsibilities.
C. The oldest daughter is traditionally involved in education, while the oldest son focuses on physical labor.
D. The roles of the oldest daughter and oldest son are generally identical in most cultures.

Answer 1

In many cultures, d. the oldest son often has more autonomy and may be responsible for family provision and public leadership, while the oldest daughter is usually assigned caregiving duties and household chores.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distinct roles of the oldest daughter and oldest son in many cultures are rooted in the family as the first agent of socialization, where different expectations and privileges are often conferred upon them. For instance, the oldest son is typically given more autonomy and independence and may inherit family responsibilities, carry out tasks requiring strength, and is expected to provide for the family or assume positions of power in the public realm.

In contrast, the oldest daughter often takes on caring roles, managing household chores, nurturing younger siblings, and performing domestic responsibilities that are considered more feminine. Cultural attitudes also dictate the division of labor and responsibility for elder care, such as in agrarian societies where both sons and daughters may care for elderly parents, while in industrialized societies, elder care may shift to governmental or community structures.