Final answer:
Feminist anthropology is a field that emerged in the 1970s focused on the roles and perspectives of women in various cultures. This approach challenges the male-centric norms of traditional anthropology and seeks to understand gender's influence on social structures in a non-biased way.
Step-by-step explanation:
Feminist anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that emerged in the early 1970s, inspired by the women's movement. It addresses the previously overlooked roles, perspectives, and contributions of women in various societies. Influential in the expansion of anthropological research, feminist anthropologists focus on the activities of women to correct the ethnographic record, which had traditionally centered on men's experiences.
Feminist anthropology examines patterns across cultures, noting that in societies where women contribute significantly to subsistence, they often enjoy greater status and equality. Conversely, in societies that separate the 'public' and 'private' spheres, relegating women to domestic roles, women tend to experience more subordination. Such analyses alter the perception of gender roles by considering them within the context of each unique society, rather than through the biases of the researcher's own culture.
Going beyond simple historical critiques, feminist anthropologists study the interplay between gender norms and everyday life, considering how gender roles shape identities and social structures. They also challenge the dominant male perspective that has informed ethics and the celebration of masculine traits, advocating for an understanding and correction of gender's role in cultural and social development.