Biology's influence

I am really glad that Professor Widman came in to class today to discuss sexual differences. I am of the opinion that biological differences between the sexes must not be ignored if we are to truly understand the evolution of gender roles in society. There are reasons going far back in human history that can explain why women have a certain expected role (mother, nurturer) and why men have a different role (provider). These biological factors don't mean that we are controlled by our genes, or predestined to a certain role because of our evolutionary past. But that there are differences to be recognized, and to overcome these limiting stereotypes that are linked to our past we must first acknowledge that they exist. If women are generally expected to be mothers and men are expected to work, then society must be able to provide resources to allow those roles to change (ex: child care for working mothers, paternity leave for working fathers). I don't think that we are limited by our biology, but I do think that societal limitations were often due to biological and evolutionary factors.