This work investigates the biological and cultural origins of contemporary sex-role determination by examining the status and roles of women across a wide spectrum of human societies. Evelyn S. Kessler, an anthropologist, utilizes cross-cultural data and historical analysis to challenge prevailing assumptions about gender roles. She argues that the division of labor and social status are not fixed biological imperatives but are instead shaped by complex environmental, economic, and cultural variables.

Scholars and students of anthropology frequently cite this text for its balanced approach to cross-cultural gender analysis. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a foundational resource for understanding the historical variability of women's roles.