Archaeological biographies show how past societies have developed by looking at individual characteristics like socio-economic status, age, gender, race, ethnicity, and religion. It is important to break these various aspects down to see how they create a unique society. Studying the dead is an important way for archaeologists to better understand why certain traits have developed or thrived in a given environment. For example, the Neanderthals have specific traits like physical strength, tall stature, physical trauma, and biological ontogeny have persisted through their generation. Biographies help better link why materials and aspects of culture have continued on due to each individuals personal and lifestyle stages. This helps archaeologists create links between past societies and today's culture as well as provide answers as to why individuals have evolved due to their agency and structure.
Gender has had a big impact on archaeological findings especially when it comes to figuring out if gay, transgender, bisexual, third gender, lesbian burials exist. A question posted in class was: Can we talk about gender without talking about the life-course? I think that gender and the life-course have a lot in common because gender determines how certain aspects of ones life will work out due to what gender they are. The debate between structure and agency along with the concept of intersectionality and double, triple jeopardy are important in regards to both sociological and anthropological research. I think that it is very difficult to conclude that gender has no effect on the life-course because many women, gay, lesbian, and third gender individuals suffer more stigma and inequality than men do. The economic, social, political equality of the sexes is important to consider because until everyone is treated equally gender and several other inequalities listed above will affect each individuals personal biographical experience.
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