GENDER ROLES IN HUNTER-GATHERER SOCIETIES

Abstract

This article explores gender roles in hunter-gatherer societies, examining the division of labor, social status, and cultural constructs that shape male and female responsibilities. Drawing on ethnographic, archaeological, and anthropological research, it highlights the variability and flexibility of gender roles, challenging modern assumptions about gendered behavior as biologically fixed. The study further investigates how environmental, economic, and social factors influence these roles, emphasizing cooperation and complementarity over rigid hierarchies. By integrating cross-cultural comparisons and case studies, the article contributes to understanding the complexity of gender in early human societies.