The document discusses the evolving perceptions of gender roles, noting that traditional attitudes are diminishing as women assume leadership roles and men participate in 'feminine' professions. It highlights that, despite this progress, prehistoric and ancient artworks often reinforce outdated gender roles reflective of their time. The essay prompts an analysis of gender representation in the Woman of Willendorf and the Kouros statue, emphasizing the contrast between historical depictions and contemporary values.

1. One could argue that old-fashioned attitudes regarding gender
and "traditional" gender roles are becoming obsolete. In many
parts of the world women head major corporations and hold
high positions of power—positions historically seen as being of
the male domain. In turn, many men freely choose to be "stay-
at-home-dads" or enter professions that were once considered to
be "feminine." Naturally, our contemporary views of gender
and gender roles illustrate the social progress we have made as
one human culture.
Yet, prehistoric and ancient works of art tell a different story—
one that reinforces old-fashioned gender roles (and maybe for
good reason). Prehistoric and ancient representations of gender
illustrate the social norms of their periods. Naturally, these
works of art were produced by people whose lives and values
were quite different from ours. Yet, the views of gender
presented by these works of art are, despite our contemporary
sensibilities, are still very recognizable.
Write an essay that analyzes the representation of gender and
gender roles as seen in
Woman of Willendorf
(prehistoric: c. 25,000–20,000 B.C.E.) and
Kouros
/
Statue of Standing Youth
(ancient Greece: c. 580 B.C.E.).