A sociologist observes a community where gender roles are strictly defined, with men primarily taking on leadership roles and women focusing on domestic responsibilities. Using the theories of gender in sociology, which theory best explains this observation and why?

The observation of a community with strict gender roles can be best explained by the social constructionist theory of gender. This theory suggests that gender roles are not natural or biological, but rather created by society and its norms. In this community, men are expected to lead and make decisions, while women are seen as caretakers, reinforcing traditional roles through socialization and cultural practices. For example, if boys grow up watching their fathers take charge in public and their mothers manage the home, they might internalize these roles and continue the cycle. Thus, social constructionism highlights how these roles are learned and maintained through everyday experiences and expectations.