Gender Roles and Societal Survival

The Origins of Patriarchy

Before the Agrarian Revolution and even the discovery of fire, all societies were patriarchal. Those that experimented with matriarchy quickly realized its limitations and returned to what was considered the “one true order,” led by men.

Patriarchy had its drawbacks, but so did matriarchy. In a survival-for-the-fittest environment, societies needed a system that could sustain life under harsh conditions. Men were responsible for hunting and defending the community from dangerous animals, which were bigger and stronger than they are today. Women were tasked with caring for children, gathering firewood, managing household chores, and other tasks suitable to the societal structure. Even in areas where hunting was not the primary source of food, women were still assigned lighter duties.

Why Roles Were Assigned

Historical records do not indicate any widespread revolt by women demanding more physically demanding jobs. Some theorists argue that men were assigned heavier tasks because of biological strength. Others counter that although some women were stronger than some men, the minority of physically strong women did not justify giving them the same roles as men.

Emotional disposition also played a role. Women were generally considered more emotional, and mixing emotions with leadership, particularly in life-or-death situations, could be disastrous. Critical decisions and leadership roles were thus assigned to men, who relied more on logic than emotion. In war-focused societies, this hierarchy ensured survival.

Technology and Changing Roles

Women were generally content with their assigned roles until technological advancement made life easier. Wars are no longer fought with bows and arrows but with advanced machinery and weapons. Household work has also become less physically demanding. These conveniences have fueled feminist movements that challenge traditional roles and advocate for equality across all areas of society.

While everyone is free to pursue any profession today, sticking to societal roles can help maintain order. Men are still expected to provide, make key decisions, and protect their families. Women continue to manage children, cooking, and household responsibilities, ensuring clarity and efficiency. In cases where one is alone, the individual must perform all roles, but societal structure helps prevent unnecessary chaos.

The Case Against Role Neglect

Feminist movements often argue that equality comes from breaking traditional roles. However, neglecting assigned roles does not resolve issues such as wage gaps or systemic oppression. In fact, abandoning these societal roles can create more tension and confusion than solutions. True progress can be achieved through fair policies, education, and equitable opportunities, not by rejecting the framework that has historically sustained communities.