Question

Recent cross-cultural studies of gender roles demonstrate that

a. gender roles of men and women are largely determined by their biological capabilities--relative strength, endurance, intelligence and so on
b. women are subservient in nearly all societies, because their subsistence activities contribute much less than do those of men
c. foraging, horticultural, pastoral, and industrial societies all have similar attitudes toward sex but different attitudes toward gender
d. changes in the gender roles of men and women are usually associated with social decay and anarchy
e. the relative status of women is variable, depending on such factors as the type of subsistence strategy employed, the importance of warfare, and the prevalence of a domestic-public dichotomy

Answer 1

Cross-cultural studies reveal that gender roles vary significantly across societies and are influenced by multiple factors like subsistence methods, social norms, and warfare. Sociobiology provides a biological perspective, but feminist anthropology disputes this, showing that sociocultural environments drastically shape these roles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Recent cross-cultural studies on gender roles demonstrate that the relative status of women is variable, not fixed solely by biological capabilities or universally subservient roles. Factors such as the type of subsistence strategy employed, societal norms, the importance of warfare, and the domestic-public dichotomy significantly influence these roles across different cultures and societies. In hunter-gatherer societies, where women's gathering contributes substantially to subsistence, they tend to enjoy higher social status and equality. However, in agricultural and industrial societies, where a clear delineation between public and private spheres exists, women are often relegated to the private sphere (home), leading to more subordinate statuses.

Sociobiology suggests that from an evolutionary perspective, certain behavioral traits in men and women, like aggression in men and nurturing in women, may have developed to complement reproductive and survival strategies. Nonetheless, these genetic predispositions have been challenged by feminist anthropology, which highlights the influence of sociocultural environments on gender roles. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge that these roles are subject to change over time and are shaped by social, economic, and cultural factors, rather than being solely determined by biological differences.