Final answer:
The statement 'Men are better in a crisis than women' is refuted in Mona Gardner's 'The Dinner Party' by demonstrating that women can be equally effective in crisis situations. Societal gender roles have often overshadowed women's capabilities, but strength and crisis management are not exclusive to men.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story The Dinner Party by Mona Gardner, the statement "Men are better in a crisis than women" is effectively disputed through the narrative. The story itself is a testament to the fact that crisis management and calmness under pressure are not inherently male traits. Examples throughout history and literature highlight that women's contributions in crises are substantial and often overlooked. Holding on to the belief that men are naturally superior in crises neglects the intelligence, quick thinking, and emotional strength that women have consistently demonstrated.
Moreover, societal gender roles and the relegation of women to the private sphere are constructs that have historically minimized women's public and political engagement. The text you provided suggests that women have both the capability and the right to participate equally in all spheres of life, asserting that equating physical strength with overall superiority, as the statement implies, is fallacious.