Final answer:
Gender roles and social expectations are influenced by cultural and societal factors rather than solely being determined by physical features.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gender roles and social expectations are influenced by cultural and societal factors rather than solely being determined by physical features. Cross-cultural research has shown that gender roles can vary widely between societies, indicating that they are not predictable based on physical characteristics alone. For example, in some societies, men may traditionally take on roles typically associated with women in other societies.
An important factor that shapes gender roles is the influence of cultural norms, values, and beliefs. These norms and expectations regarding gender roles can change over time and across different cultures. Economic systems and the division of labor also play a role in shaping gender roles, as seen in the example of hunter-gatherer societies and agriculturalists.
Overall, while biological differences between males and females exist, social and cultural factors have a significant impact on the social roles that males and females occupy in any given society.