Final answer:
The contrast in divine gender can be attributed to sociological, psychological, and cultural influences. Different societies have varying beliefs and practices regarding gender, and divine gender reflects and accommodates these complexities. The gender of gods is often symbolic rather than literal, representing certain attributes or characteristics associated with masculinity or femininity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief in male and female gods in different cultures can be attributed to various factors, including sociological, psychological, and cultural influences. One of the reasons for the contrast in divine gender is the need to reflect and accommodate the complexities of human sex/gender and sexuality in different societies. For example, cultural anthropologist Serena Nanda found that many non-European cultures have a widespread practice of multiple genders, indicating a cultural need for flexibility in understanding gender identities. In addition, historical and cultural factors play a role. For instance, in ancient Greek mythology, the tales of the deities were a blend of indigenous beliefs and those of the invading Aryan peoples. This amalgamation resulted in the incorporation of female deities from the indigenous culture into the pantheon of gods, alongside the male deities of the invaders. Moreover, some cultures may assign different characteristics and roles to male and female deities, reflecting their own societal norms and ideals. It's important to note that when referring to gods as male or female, it does not imply a physical sexual nature but rather represents certain attributes or characteristics associated with masculinity or femininity. The gender of gods is often symbolic rather than literal.