Final answer:
Choosing between being a man or woman in a society is heavily influenced by the society's gender roles and expectations. While some cultures are flexible, others have rigid gender norms, affecting personal identity and social interactions. Agency over gender identity allows individuals to define and express themselves beyond societal constructs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether one would prefer to be a man or a woman in a given society depends on the intricate fabric of that society's gender roles and expectations. In the context provided, there is significant variability in how societies define and interact with gender. In some societies, there is great flexibility and respect afforded to those who do not conform to traditional gender roles, such as women who become hunters or men who live as women and are married to other men. Conversely, in many Western societies, there are rigid expectations aligned with one's biological sex, influencing everything from dress to occupation.
Throughout history and across cultures, there are examples of men and women challenging these social constructs, demonstrating that adherence to gender roles is not always an indication of personal preference or identity. This is evident in modern times where some individuals find their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Furthermore, the presence of patriarchal systems can indicate that the benefit afforded to men is not universal, with expectations of masculinity often bringing their own challenges, as noted in the work of cultural anthropologist Daniel Jordan Smith.
When considering the practices related to one's body and gender—from hygiene to dress and social interactions—it's apparent that such routines can be influenced by societal norms of gender and sexuality. But it is also clear that people have agency over their gender expression and identities, which can defy conventional definitions and can evolve over time.