HIST 115 UMGC Womens Role in Neothelic & Paleothelic World Discussion

Respond to TWO of your classmates 

–VIDEO  

–PEER RESPONSES  1. What role did women play in the Neolithic and Paleolithic worlds? How should we understand gender roles in the prehistoric era?

The Neolithic and Paleolithic ages represent the earliest periods of human history, often referred to as prehistory. Women and men played specific social and economic roles in these prehistoric times. These roles are often closely related to factors such as fertility, reproduction, food gathering and preparation, and social organization.
Female Roles in the Neolithic Age
During the Neolithic Age, women played multiple key roles, one of which was food gathering and food preparation. Hunting and gathering were one of the main sources of livelihood for Neolithic societies. While men are generally more involved in hunting, women play a vital role in plant gathering, food processing and storage. These tasks play a central role in the household economy, ensuring the stability of the food supply.
Additionally, women were responsible for household chores and childbearing in Neolithic societies. They are responsible for the care and upbringing of children and participate in family and social organizations. This division of labor provides the family with stability and the continued development of society.
Religion and ritual were also important components of Neolithic society. Women served as priests or celebrants of religious ceremonies in many societies and were more closely connected to the mysterious natural world. They participate in religious ceremonies, celebrations and social gatherings, passing on cultural and religious traditions.
Female Characters in the Paleolithic Age
Compared with the Neolithic Age, the social structure of the Paleolithic Age was more primitive, and the division of gender roles was blurred. Women were still involved in food gathering and tool making, but the social organization was relatively simple and gender roles were less differentiated. Hunting and gathering remained a key source of livelihood, but with fewer resources, societies were likely to be more egalitarian.
The role of women in prehistory differed markedly between the Neolithic and the Paleolithic. Changes in the sexual division of labor and social organization are influenced by environmental, resource availability, and cultural factors. Women’s roles in prehistoric times were complex and diverse, including responsibilities in family and society, as well as religious and cultural inheritance. Gender division of labor plays a vital role in the society of this era, providing a solid foundation for social stability and development.