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  3. We have known for a long time that the organization of any particular society is influenced by the definition of the sexes and t

We have known for a long time that the organization of any particular society is influenced by the definition of the sexes and t

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问题     We have known for a long time that the organization of any particular society is influenced by the definition of the sexes and the distinction drawn between them. But we have realized only recently that the identity of each sex is not so easy to pin down, and that definitions evolve in accordance with different types of culture known to us, that is, scientific discoveries and ideological revolutions. Our nature is not considered as immutable, either socially or biologically. As we approach the beginning of the 21st century, the substantial progress made in biology and genetics is radically challenging the roles, responsibilities and specific characteristics attributed to each sex, and yet, scarcely twenty years ago, these were thought to be "beyond dispute".
    We can safely say, with a few minor exceptions, that the definition of the sexes and their respective functions remained unchanged in the West from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1960s. The role distinction, raised in some cases to the status of uncompromising dualism on a strongly hierarchical model, lasted throughout this period, appealing for its justification to nature, religion and customs alleged to have existed since the dawn of time. The woman bore children and took care of the home. The man set out to conquer the world and was responsible for the survival of his family, by satisfying their needs in peacetime and going to war when necessary.
    The entire world order rested on the divergence of the sexes. Any overlapping or confusion between the roles was seen as a threat to the time-honored order of things. It was felt to be against nature, a deviation from the norm.
    Sex roles were determined according to the "place" appropriate to each. Women’s place was, first and foremost, in the home. The outside world, i.e. workshops, factories and business firms, belonged to men. This sex-based division of the world (private and public) gave rise to a strict dichotomy between the attitudes, which conferred on each its special identity. The woman, sequestered at home, "cared, nurtured and conserved". To do this, she had no need to be daring, ambitious, tough or competitive. The man, on the other hand, competing with his fellow men, was caught up every day in the struggle for survival, and hence developed those characteristics which were thought natural in a man.
    Today, many women go out’ to work, and their reasons for doing so have changed considerably. Besides the traditional financial incentives, we find ambition and personal fulfillment motivating those in the most favorable circumstances, and the wish to have a social life and to get out of their domestic isolation influencing others. Above all, for all women, work is invariably connected with the desire for independence.
Notes:
immutable 不可改变的
dualism 双重论
divergence 分歧，偏离
overlapping 部分巧合、一致
time-honored 由来已久的
dichotomy 一分为二，对立
sequester 使隔离
be caught up in 被缠住于：He is caught up in the trivia (琐事) of everyday things
unduly 过渡地，不恰当地
选项 A、there is almost no clue to the identity of both sexes.
B、the role distinction between different sexes is conspicuous.
C、the different definitions of sexes bears on the development of culture.
D、the progress of civilization greatly influences the role definitions of sexes.
答案D
解析 细节理解题。本题问：直到最近我们才意识到什么?第1段第2句写道："但是直到最近我们才意识到，每一种性别的本性是很难说清楚的，并且定义是按照我们所知道的不同文化，即科学发现和思想革命，在发展的"。由此可见，"文明的进步对男女性别作用的定义有很大影响"符合上述句意。"there is almost no clue to the identity of both sexes几乎没有线索来确定两种性别的本性"属概念偷换，故应排除。"the role distinction between different sexes is conspicuous 不同性别所承担的工作差别是显而易见的"属正反颠倒，故不能入选。"the different definitions of sexes bears on the development of culture性别的不同定义对文化的发展产生影响"属前后颠倒，故不能入选。注意：pin down确定；清楚说明。
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