Why are women’s roles within complex societies often overlooked?

The observation that women's roles within complex societies are often overlooked relates primarily to the transition of many women into domestic work, which tends to be undervalued in a societal context. In complex societies, while women's contributions are essential to the stability and functioning of the household and community, these contributions are frequently rendered invisible because they occur in the private sphere rather than the public one. Domestic work, such as caregiving and household management, often lacks formal recognition and can be dismissed as less important compared to roles in the marketplace or formal leadership positions.

This undervaluation is rooted in cultural perceptions that prioritize public or economic roles over domestic ones, leading to a societal tendency to overlook the significance and impact of women's domestic labor. Thus, while they might be engaging in important work that supports the family and community, the lack of recognition for this work contributes to their roles being overlooked in historical and anthropological narratives.