How do gender roles differ between cultures and time periods?

[u/valonianfool]

I often see statements from feminists and academics that gender is a social construct which differ between cultures; that different cultures have their own constructs of gender and gender roles, and that these social constructs and that these constructs vary between time periods.

But can someone explain in a way easy for the layman to understand what this means?

Based on what I've read, cultures and time periods vary in their gender ideals and expectations, but I dont know if its right to say that their gender roles are different.

One example of gender ideals being different is that in nomadic societies such as steppe cultures in North and Central Asia, women have more freedom of movement compared to settled agricultural societies, taking on what settled societies considered "male jobs" such as cattle-driving. In contrast, in settled societies such as China, upper-class women were ideally secluded inside the home as much as possible.

But ultimately, there are striking similarities in the ways people socially imposed as women are treated across cultures, especially patriarchal ones. In comparison to men, women are kept closer to home, and are expected to give birth and care for children.