Gender Differences in Hunting Abilities: New Research Suggests Women Outperform Men

New research challenges the long-held belief that men were the primary hunters in prehistoric societies, while women took on more passive roles. A study conducted by anthropologists Cara Ocobock and Sarah Lacy suggests that prehistoric women not only engaged in hunting but were anatomically and biologically better suited to it. The female body's ability to endure endurance activities, such as running, due to higher levels of estrogen and adiponectin, along with their physical structure, including wider hips, made them well-suited for hunting. Archaeological evidence also supports the idea that women participated in hunting and held it in high esteem. The study aims to correct the historical erasure of women's contributions to hunting and challenge biases based on gender.