Final answer:
Examples that demonstrate equivalent status of Beng males and females include the cooperative gender relations in the Indonesian Minangkabau, equal positions of women in gatherer-hunter societies, and diverse roles in societies studied by Margaret Mead.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples illustrating the point that Beng males and females are of relatively equivalent status can be drawn from various anthropological studies and cultural practices. One notable example is the Indonesian Minangkabau society, where despite being considered a matriarchy, men and women work cooperatively in all areas of life, leading to a balance of power and respect. This contrasts with the bifurcated consciousness experienced by modern U.S. females under patriarchal structures, as described by Sanday (2004). Another example comes from the roles of women in gatherer-hunter societies, where women contribute significantly to the subsistence through gathering activities, resulting in positions of equality with men. On a different note, feminist anthropologists have identified that in societies where women are limited to private spheres, such as housekeeping and motherhood, they tend to have a more subordinate status compared to men.
Additionally, Margaret Mead's research into societies like the Arapesh, Mundugumor, and Tchambuli (or Chambri) also offer insights into gender roles. The Arapesh value cooperation and gentleness among both sexes, while the Tchambuli ascribe different temperaments and social roles to men and women, offering diverse models of gender relationships and statuses. Overall, these cultures illustrate that roles and status often depend on the social, economic, and cultural context, rather than being inherent or biologically predetermined.