Paleo Gender Roles Flashcards
What picture did 1950s theories paint of life among early humans?
The theories of life among early humans in the 1950s were centered on
“traditional” male and female roles. This perception of early peoples
created an overall patriarchal image, where women were the caretakers and men were the providers.
What new theory is being suggested since the 1970s?
The new theory that is being suggested since the 1970s describes paleolithic women as having similar, if not the same, roles as men. Women appear to have been the main food providers of their communities, for doing the gathering and taking part in the hunt.
What arguments are being advanced to support this new theory? Identify and explain three
The first argument used to support this new theory describes women as not only the main caretakers, they were also the main providers of food. The second argument used to support this new theory is the discovery of evidence suggesting the practice of communal hunting among early humans. The third argument used to support this new theory is the idea that women also hunted.
