Gender Roles in Prehistory

Gender roles in prehistory refer to the ways early humans may have assigned social responsibilities based on gender, influenced by biological differences and environmental needs. While some evidence suggests men often engaged in hunting or resource defense, and women in gathering and child-rearing, these roles were likely flexible rather than strictly fixed. Social structures varied across different groups, with cooperation and shared responsibilities being common. Understanding prehistoric gender roles helps us see early human societies as dynamic and adaptable, shaped by survival, environment, and social cooperation rather than rigid stereotypes.