Final answer:
Early women's history focused on prominent female figures, but evolved to include the diverse experiences of everyday women across different cultures, incorporating a wider scope of themes and recognizing the complexity of women's roles in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early work in women's history saw a significant evolution over time. Initially, the focus was largely on prominent female figures, with research highlighting the lives and achievements of exceptional women. However, as the field progressed, historians and anthropologists began to recognize the importance of including the experiences of everyday women. This shift brought more attention to the roles and contributions of women in various socioeconomic backgrounds, including those who worked within the home or in subsistence economies. Evidence was found refuting the assumption that women's roles were solely domestic or subordinate, showcasing societies where women enjoyed equal status. The field of women's history evolved to incorporate broader themes such as family, marriage, child-rearing, and the intersectionality of gender with race, class, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and physical ability. This evolution transformed women's history from a narrative about a few into a complex story inclusive of many.