A new review of archaeological evidence and human physiology challenges the long-held assumption that men evolved to hunt and women evolved to gather.
For decades, the prevailing belief has been that men were the hunters and women were the gatherers in prehistoric societies. However, a recent review of archaeological evidence and human physiology is challenging this assumption. Biological anthropologists Sarah Lacy and Cara Ocobock argue that women were well-suited to endurance activities like hunting and that there is little evidence to support their absence from prehistoric hunts. This article explores their findings and challenges the influential ‘Man the Hunter’ theory.
Rethinking the ‘Man the Hunter’ Theory
Lacy and Ocobock challenge the widely accepted ‘Man the Hunter’ theory, which was first proposed in the 1960s by male anthropologists. This theory suggested that men were intellectually and physically superior and played a dominant role in hunting, while women were relegated to gathering. However, Lacy and Ocobock argue that there is little evidence to support this theory and that it is influenced by gender biases.
Absence of Sexual Division of Labor in Paleolithic Times
Analyzing data on the Paleolithic period, which covers human history up until the advent of farming, Lacy and Ocobock found little to suggest a sexual division of labor. The activities traditionally associated with men, such as tool-making, flint-knapping, and spear-throwing, could have been carried out by women as well. Furthermore, both male and female skeletons from this period were buried with weapons and hunting paraphernalia, indicating a lack of a social hierarchy based on sex.
Evidence of Female Hunting in Hunter-Gatherer Societies
Contrary to popular belief, there is ample evidence to suggest that women participated in hunting in hunter-gatherer societies. A recent study found that close to 80 percent of hunter-gatherer societies from the past century show evidence of female hunting. In societies where game is the primary source of food, women participated in hunting 100 percent of the time. Mothers in these societies often brought their children along when hunting or fishing, challenging the notion that women stayed back at camp to care for the young.
Unique Hunting Strategies and Physical Abilities of Women
The Agta females of the Philippines provide a compelling example of unique hunting strategies employed by women. Their techniques and weapons of choice differ significantly from those of men, yet both sexes spend equal time tracking down or killing prey. Females in these societies often hunted while menstruating or carrying nursing infants, debunking the idea that female bodies are ill-equipped for hunting. Lacy and Ocobock argue that female bodies are actually better suited for extreme endurance activities, a crucial skill for hunting large game.
Underrepresentation of Female Bodies in Exercise Physiology Studies
Lacy and Ocobock highlight the underrepresentation of female bodies in exercise physiology and sports medicine studies. Only 34 percent of participants in sport and exercise research are female, and a mere 3 percent of studies on human athletic performance consider females on their own. The authors argue that these differences are often ignored, understudied, or misinterpreted to align with modern stereotypes. By disregarding the unique abilities of female bodies, we perpetuate gender biases and hinder our understanding of prehistoric societies.
Conclusion: The belief that men evolved to hunt and women evolved to gather is facing increasing academic resistance. Lacy and Ocobock’s review of archaeological evidence and human physiology challenges the long-held assumption that has influenced our reconstructions of the distant past. By reevaluating the role of women in prehistoric hunting, we gain a more nuanced understanding of human history and challenge gender stereotypes. Moving forward, it is crucial to recognize the contributions of all sexes in shaping our past and present societies.
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