Title: New Research Challenges Traditional Roles in Prehistoric Society: Women as Hunters, Men as Gatherers
Date: [Current Date]
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Delaware and the University of Notre Dame have challenged the long-held belief that men were hunters and women were gatherers in prehistoric times. The research, conducted by anthropology professor Sarah Lacy and her colleague Cara Ocobock, provides evidence questioning the prevalent narrative that has shaped our understanding of human evolution.
Lacy and Ocobock examined the division of labor according to sex during the Paleolithic era, ranging from 2.5 million to 12,000 years ago. Through a comprehensive review of archaeological evidence and literature, the researchers found little support for the idea that specific roles were assigned to each gender. Moreover, they discovered that women were not only physically capable of hunting but that there was little evidence to suggest they did not engage in hunting activities.
The team’s findings challenge the traditional assumption that men were the primary hunters while women took on gathering tasks. Examples of equality for both sexes were found in ancient tools, diet, art, burials, and anatomy. Lacy highlighted the bias in automatically assigning male genders to objects without considering alternatives.
The researchers also addressed the potential physiological differences between men and women that could have affected hunting capabilities. While men possessed traits that offered advantages in activities requiring speed and power, women had advantages in endurance-based activities such as running. The researchers emphasized the role of estrogen, a hormone more prominent in women, in conferring this endurance advantage.
Lacy and Ocobock’s work challenges the prominent theory of “man the hunter,” which emerged in 1968 with the publication of “Man the Hunter” by Richard B. Lee and Irven DeVore. They argue that the gender bias inherent in previous research and cultural representation contributed to the wide acceptance of the idea. Female scholars who presented research contradicting this theory were often ignored or devalued.
By refuting the prevailing narrative and shedding light on the limitations of previous research, Lacy hopes to establish a new default approach to studying prehistoric societies. She asserts that labor was divided among both sexes and argues against the notion that male behavior alone drove evolution. Lacy believes that an egalitarian approach characterized our ancestors for millions of years, challenging contemporary gender roles.
While this research opens new avenues for exploration and further investigation, it challenges us to reconsider the prevailing narrative of gender roles in early human society. Lacy’s study offers a groundbreaking perspective that could reshape our understanding of human evolution and the contributions of both men and women in shaping our prehistoric past.
Further information on the research can be found in the articles published in the American Anthropologist journal:
– Sarah Lacy et al, “Woman the hunter: The archaeological evidence,” American Anthropologist (2023). DOI: 10.1111/aman.13914
– Cara Ocobock et al, “Woman the hunter: The physiological evidence,” American Anthropologist (2023). DOI: 10.1111/aman.13915