Final answer:
Prior to 1920, female missionaries were encouraged to serve but were not ordained, and their contributions were often viewed as secondary to those of male missionaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction made between male and female missionaries prior to 1920 can be understood in the context of societal norms and religious practices of the time. Female missionaries were encouraged to serve in various capacities, particularly as it related to their traditional roles in society. However, they were not ordained and had limited authority compared to their male counterparts. Instead, women's missionary work was often seen as an auxiliary to the primary missions carried out by men. Historical records from various religious and social structures provide insight into the limited roles women could play, and females were not permitted to fulfill the functions of ministry as their male counterparts did.