In exploring the role of women during colonial times, historiographers

Question

In exploring the role of women during colonial times, historiographers have taken several, though not necessarily conflicting, approaches. Malley and Jemson represent those who have focused on the roles of women in countries under colonial power. However, they are atypical in that they attempt to place the specific continent they studied—South East Asia—in a larger, transnational context. For instance, in claiming that women in Annam (the name of Vietnam before 1950) had diminished economic power, even more so than in their traditional roles, which allowed for some economic autonomy (women’s active role in the marketplace culture is cited), Malley and Jemson are able to make certain parallels with societies in which colonial power rested, namely England and France. Yet, the eye for detail that makes their work on Southeast Asia so compelling is lost in broad generalizations. In pointing out that it was deemed unladylike for women to engage in economic activity in both France and French Indochina, Malley and Jemson would have strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world. Additionally, the greater question of how in some cases colonialism not only offered more freedom than did traditional roles (in real estate a woman’s initials were part of the deed) but also limited women’s freedom would have made the discussion more germane to a transnational context. Camden and Greely, on the other hand, show how a focus on transnational context is often limited by a narrow historical understanding of a specific country. Such a narrow view, unsurprisingly, leads them to impose certain metanarratives on these countries. For instance, in aiming to show that women in places under the colonial yoke acquired roles similar to women in Europe, and later America, Camden and Greely relied on small island nations in the Caribbean to make their case. In doing so, the two not only compromised the scope of their findings but also did not account for practices within these nations that might call into question the validity of their metanarratives. By overlooking the aspects of the culture of the countries they studied and by not including countries that were more representative of colonialism, Camden and Greely fail to concede that such metanarratives might themselves need some review to better account for more widespread practices. Thus, the few parallels they draw between these Caribbean nations and European powers are unconvincing. As both the approaches of Camden and Greely and those of Malley and Jemson show, historicity would be better served by scholars working in tandem to tease out general themes that apply to countries while also appreciating how a country’s local culture informed and coexisted with such themes.   1 
 D 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A) anticipate objections to several theories in an academic field and to counter these objections
B) contrast two attempts to understand a historical phenomenon and to champion the more comprehensive approach
C) explore the impact of two approaches on a historical debate and how these approaches inform each other
D) discuss differing approaches to a field of study and to point out how two such approaches are both wanting
E) frame a historical debate by comparing a successful methodology to one that exhibits several notable flaws

2 
 C 
 2. According to the author, which of the following would have made Malley and Jemson’s case more compelling?

A) Had Malley and Jemson supplemented their own observations with a nation’s history as recorded by that nation’s own people
B) Had Malley and Jemson described in greater detail the economic activities in which women in Annam participated
C) Had Malley and Jemson focused on how the traditional roles of women in both Annam and pre-colonial France were more constricted than the roles of women in both countries during the colonial period
D) Had Malley and Jemson contrasted the function the marketplace exerted on the role of women in Annam with that of owning real estate for women in Europe during the colonial period
E) Had Malley and Jemson offered specific examples from both Europe and Southeast Asia of how a woman’s adherence to a traditional role was directly undermined by her engaging in economic activity

3 
 C 
 3.Which of the following best describes the primary contrast between the work of Malley and Jemson and that of Camden and Greely?

A) Malley and Jemson offer a comprehensive understanding of the countries they studied but do not attempt to place their findings in a transnational context, while Camden and Greely are able to convincingly place their findings in a transnational context even though they do not sufficiently understand the histories of the countries they studied.
B) Malley and Jemson displayed a limited understanding of the historical processes in the countries in which they offered as evidence supporting their theories, while Camden and Greely often let the details of a specific country interfere with a broader historical understanding.
C) Malley and Jemson, in attempting to place their findings in a transnational context, do not provide sufficient evidence to support their theories, whereas Camden and Greely, in attempting to support their theories, provide evidence that is unrepresentative of the countries they are studying and disregard information not conforming to their pre-existing narrative.
D) Malley and Jemson use evidence from only a few countries, yet make a compelling case for how their insights apply to a wider geographical context, whereas Camden and Greely are not adequately able to show how their findings from many countries apply to a larger geographical context.
E) Malley and Jemson argue that the most effective approach to understanding how the traditional roles of women affected those during the colonial period is to study countries that were colonial powers, whereas Camden and Greely argue that the most effective approach for understanding this phenomenon is to focus only on countries that were colonial subjects.

4 
 A 
 4. Which of the following can be inferred regarding those who only focus on the role of women in countries under colonial rule?

A) They usually do not place their insights in a transnational context.
B) They are likely to let pre-existing theories bias their observations.
C) They are unwilling to consider the effect that traditional roles had on colonial roles.
D) They tend to downplay the economic autonomy exercised by women in traditional roles.
E) They fail to make convincing parallels between countries that are colonial powers and those under colonial rule.

RC Butler 2021  -  Practice Two RC Questions Everyday.   
Passage # 58 Date: 10-Feb-2021
 This question is a part of RC Butler 2021 .  Click here for Details

Patronus · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to A) anticipate objections to several theories in an academic field and to counter these objections - No objections presented. B) contrast two attempts to understand a historical phenomenon and to champion the more comprehensive approach - We don't see any champion in the end, only recommendation. C) explore the impact of two approaches on a historical debate and how these approaches inform each other - Two approaches are not impacting the debate, we have a debate and we are understanding them using 2 approaches. D) discuss differing approaches to a field of study and to point out how two such approaches are both wanting - Correct. Two approaches are both "wanting" = incomplete. E) frame a historical debate by comparing a successful methodology to one that exhibits several notable flaws - No successful method (or winner) declared in the end. For Question 2, I got E as the answer. So, I can't explain it.

3.Which of the following best describes the primary contrast between the work of Malley and Jemson and that of Camden and Greely? A) Malley and Jemson offer a comprehensive understanding of the countries they studied but do not attempt to place their findings in a transnational context , while Camden and Greely are able to convincingly place their findings in a transnational context even though they do not sufficiently understand the histories of the countries they studied. M&J DO place their findings in transnational context. B) Malley and Jemson displayed a limited understanding of the historical processes in the countries in which they offered as evidence supporting their theories, while Camden and Greely often let the details of a specific country interfere with a broader historical understanding. There was no talk about "processes" as such C) Malley and Jemson, in attempting to place their findings in a transnational context, do not provide sufficient evidence to support their theories, whereas Camden and Greely, in attempting to support their theories, provide evidence that is unrepresentative of the countries they are studying and disregard information not conforming to their pre-existing narrative. Yes, the author says that "Malley and Jemson would have strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world." D) Malley and Jemson use evidence from only a few countries, yet make a compelling case for how their insights apply to a wider geographical context, whereas Camden and Greely are not adequately able to show how their findings from many countries apply to a larger geographical context . No, the author says that C&G's sampling of countries was flawed! E) Malley and Jemson argue that the most effective approach to understanding how the traditional roles of women affected those during the colonial period is to study countries that were colonial powers, whereas Camden and Greely argue that the most effective approach for understanding this phenomenon is to focus only on countries that were colonial subjects. There is absolutely no talk about "efficiency" in either. 4. Which of the following can be inferred regarding those who only focus on the role of women in countries under colonial rule? The passage says "However, they are atypical in that they attempt to place the specific continent they studied—South East Asia—in a larger, transnational context" That means the typical approaches would be to NOT place stuff in transnational context. Straight A. A) They usually do not place their insights in a transnational context. Hope this helps.

AkshayKS21 · Answer

It is not something you MUST do. There are no "Must" be followed Rules

But something around 3 minutes for short passages and around 4.5 minutes for long passages is normal and fine.

jawele · Answer

Passage summary: the author describes how two methods are flawed in trying to explain women role during colonial time. M&J failed to provide evidence to support their explanations in global context, while C&G's global focus clouded their explanations on individual countries.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A)  anticipate objections  to several theories in an academic field and to counter these objections
B)  contrast two attempts to understand a historical phenomenon  and  to champion  the more comprehensive approach
C) explore the  impact of two approaches on a historical debate  and how these  approaches inform each other 
D) discuss differing approaches to a field of study and to point out how two such approaches are both wanting  correct 
E)  frame a historical debate by comparing a successful methodology  to one that exhibits several notable flaws

2. According to the author, which of the following would have made Malley and Jemson’s case more compelling?  Relevant text: In pointing out that it was deemed unladylike for women to engage in economic activity in both France and French Indochina, Malley and Jemson would have strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world. Additionally, the greater question of how in some cases colonialism not only offered more freedom than did traditional roles (in real estate a woman’s initials were part of the deed) but also limited women’s freedom would have made the discussion more germane to a transnational context. 
A) Had Malley and Jemson  supplemented their own observations with a nation’s history  as recorded by that nation’s own people
B) Had Malley and Jemson described in  greater detail the economic activities  in which women in Annam participated
C) Had Malley and Jemson focused on how the traditional roles of women in both Annam and pre-colonial France were more constricted than the roles of women in both countries during the colonial period  the only one that talks about specific examples of "both worlds" 
D) Had Malley and Jemson  contrasted the function the marketplace exerted on the role of women in Annam with that of owning real estate  for women in Europe during the colonial period  the marketplace and the real estate industry are where women played some role 
E) Had Malley and Jemson offered specific examples from both Europe and Southeast Asia of how a woman’s adherence to a traditional role was directly undermined by her  engaging in economic activity   the passage says that it was unladylike to engage in economic activity

3.Which of the following best describes the primary contrast between the work of Malley and Jemson and that of Camden and Greely?  Relevant text: Malley and Jemson would have strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world. <...> By overlooking the aspects of the culture of the countries they studied and by not including countries that were more representative of colonialism, Camden and Greely fail to concede that such metanarratives might themselves need some review to better account for more widespread practices. 
A) Malley and Jemson offer a comprehensive understanding of the countries they studied but  do not attempt to place their findings in a transnational context , while Camden and Greely  are able to convincingly place their findings in a transnational context  even though they do not sufficiently understand the histories of the countries they studied.
B) Malley and Jemson  displayed a limited understanding of the historical processes in the countries in which they offered as evidence  supporting their theories, while Camden and Greely often let the details of a specific country interfere with a broader historical understanding.
C) Malley and Jemson, in attempting to place their findings in a transnational context, do not provide sufficient evidence to support their theories, whereas Camden and Greely, in attempting to support their theories, provide evidence that is unrepresentative of the countries they are studying and disregard information not conforming to their pre-existing narrative.  correct 
D) Malley and Jemson use evidence from only a few countries,  yet make a compelling case for how their insights apply to a wider geographical context , whereas Camden and Greely are not adequately able to show how their findings from many countries apply to a larger geographical context.
E) Malley and Jemson argue that  the most effective approach  to understanding how the traditional roles of women affected those during the colonial period is to study countries that were colonial powers, whereas Camden and Greely argue that  the most effective approach  for understanding this phenomenon is to focus only on countries that were colonial subjects.

4. Which of the following can be inferred regarding those who only focus on the role of women in countries under colonial rule?  Malley and Jemson represent those who have focused on the roles of women in countries under colonial power. However,  they are atypical in that  they attempt to place the specific continent they studied—South East Asia—in a larger, transnational context. 
A) They usually do not place their insights in a transnational context.  correct 
B) They are likely to  let pre-existing theories bias  their observations.  bias isn't discussed 
C) They are unwilling to consider the effect that  traditional roles had on colonial roles .  not given 
D) They tend to  downplay the economic autonomy  exercised by women in traditional roles.  not given 
E) They fail to make convincing parallels between countries that are colonial powers and those under colonial rule.  this talks from global perspective, which is atypical

road740 · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A) anticipate objections to several theories in an academic field and to counter these objections
B) contrast two attempts to understand a historical phenomenon and to champion the more comprehensive approach
C) explore the impact of two approaches on a historical debate and how these approaches inform each other
  D) discuss differing approaches to a field of study and to point out how two such approaches are both wanting  
E) frame a historical debate by comparing a successful methodology to one that exhibits several notable flaws

---

2. According to the author, which of the following would have made Malley and Jemson’s case  more compelling ?

Text:  
"In exploring  the role of women during colonial times , historiographers have taken several, though not necessarily conflicting, approaches. Malley and Jemson represent those who have  focused on the roles of women in countries under colonial power . However, they are atypical in that they attempt to place the specific continent they studied—South East Asia—in a larger, transnational context. For instance, in claiming that women in Annam (the name of Vietnam before 1950) had diminished economic power, even more so than in their traditional roles, which allowed for some economic autonomy (women’s active role in the marketplace culture is cited), Malley and Jemson are able  to make certain parallels with societies in which colonial power rested , namely England and France. Yet, the eye for detail that makes their work on Southeast Asia so compelling is  lost in broad generalizations . In pointing out that it was deemed unladylike for women to engage in economic activity in both France and French Indochina, Malley and Jemson would have  strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world . Additionally, the greater question of how in some cases colonialism  not only offered more freedom  than did traditional roles (in real estate a woman’s initials were part of the deed)  but also limited women’s freedom  would have made the discussion more germane to a transnational context."

--> Malley and Jemsen claimed, that women in Annam had diminished power during the colonical times; they draw parallels to the omen in countries that colonized the world (e.g. England and France) 
--> According to the author, however, these parallels are drawn too broadly
--> According to the author, they should have offered specific examples from both parts of the world; also by stating that colonialism not only offered more freedom, but also more limitations to women in Europe

A) Had Malley and Jemson supplemented their own observations with a nation’s history as recorded by that nation’s own people
--> Eliminate.

B) Had Malley and Jemson described in greater detail the economic activities in which women in Annam participated
--> "women’s active role in the marketplace culture is cited" - Eliminate. The author suggests, that they shoud have offered more specific examples from BOTH parts of the world, they already have an example cited for the women in Annam

C) Had Malley and Jemson focused on how the traditional roles of women in both Annam and pre-colonial France were more constricted than the roles of women in both countries during the colonial period
--> Eliminate. The author suggests, that theyy should have also mentioned how colonialism constricted the freedom of women. 
 
 D) Had Malley and Jemson contrasted the function the marketplace exerted on the role of women in Annam with that of owning real estate for women in Europe during the colonial period 
--> Most fitting answer

E) Had Malley and Jemson offered specific examples from both Europe and Southeast Asia of how a woman’s adherence to a traditional role was directly undermined by her engaging in economic activity
--> It was not directly undermined by her engaging in economic activity.

---

3.Which of the following best describes the primary contrast between the work of Malley and Jemson and that of Camden and Greely?

A) Malley and Jemson offer a comprehensive understanding of the countries they studied but  do not attempt to place their findings in a transnational context , while Camden and Greely are able to convincingly place their findings in a transnational context even though they do not sufficiently understand the histories of the countries they studied.
--> Malley and Jemsen actually  do  place their findings in a transnational context

B) Malley and Jemson displayed a limited understanding of the historical processes in the countries in which they offered as evidence supporting their theories, while Camden and Greely often let the details of a specific country interfere with a broader historical understanding.
--> It is rather about "geographical" understanding.

C) Malley and Jemson, in attempting to place their findings in a transnational context, do not provide sufficient evidence to support their theories, whereas Camden and Greely, in attempting to support their theories, provide evidence that is unrepresentative of the countries they are studying and disregard information not conforming to their pre-existing narrative. 
--> Most fitting answer.

D) Malley and Jemson use evidence from only a few countries, yet make a compelling case for how their insights apply to a wider geographical context, whereas Camden and Greely are not adequately able to show how their  findings from many countries  apply to a larger geographical context.
--> Camden and Greely only focused on the Caribbean

E) Malley and Jemson argue that the most effective approach to understanding how the traditional roles of women affected those during the colonial period is to study countries that were colonial powers, whereas Camden and Greely argue that the most effective approach for understanding this phenomenon is to focus only on countries that were colonial subjects.
--> Eliminate.
---

4. Which of the following can be inferred regarding those who only focus on the role of women in countries under colonial rule? 
--> This refers to Malley and Jemson´s approach

A) They usually do not place their insights in a transnational context.
--> They actually did place it in a transnational context.

B) They are likely to let pre-existing theories bias their observations.
--> Eliminate.

C) They are unwilling to consider the effect that traditional roles had on colonial roles.
--> Eliminate.

D) They tend to downplay the economic autonomy exercised by women in traditional roles.
--> Eliminate, they did not downplay it.

E)  They fail to make convincing parallels between countries that are colonial powers and those under colonial rule. 
--> Most fitting answer.

kntombat · Answer

Hey  Sajjad1994 , can you share the Official Explanation for questions 2 and 4 please ?

Thank you.

muskaansinha148 · Answer

anyone plss explain ques 2 in detail

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The passage criticizes Malley and Jemson's work for not providing specific examples and for failing to explore the complexities of colonialism in a transnational context. It suggests that they should have focused on how traditional roles of women in both Annam and pre-colonial France were more constricted than the roles of women in both countries during the colonial period. Answer: C Also explained here https://gmatclub.com/forum/in-exploring ... l#p2169386 and here https://gmatclub.com/forum/in-exploring ... l#p2724262 Best.

RiyaJ0032 · Answer

can some expert please explain Q2)

The core is that the scholars say that in England and France it was unladylike to engage in economic activitiy,
the author then says this would have been strengthened if they had provided examples for these

option B says that they should show how traditional roles in pre colonial times was more constricted than in colonial times , but how does this relate to providing examples for strengthening that something was unladylike in England and France?

can someone shed some light on this Q
 DmitryFarber 
 samarpan.g28 
 MartyMurray 
 KarishmaB 
 GMATNinja 
 AjiteshArun

samarpan.g28 · Answer

Hi  RiyaJ0032 , let me share my understanding.

The Q2 asks to make M&J's case more compelling. How will we do it? We have to cite the following aspects as mentioned in the paragraph:

1. Comparing Traditional and Colonial roles for women ( “The greater question of how in some cases colonialism not only offered more freedom than did traditional roles... but also limited women’s freedom would have made the discussion more germane to a transnational context.” )
2. Comparing both the colony and colonizer in terms of point 1 (" ..they would have strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world." ).

Option C highlights both the traditional and colonial roles, in both Annam and France.

Option B is focusing locally - it asks to discuss women's participation in economic activities. What about the comparison between Europe and Annam?

Option E is very close - but we must look beyond the undermined roles of women and compare them.

I hope this helps.

dhruva09 · Answer

Hi  hr1212 , can you please help with Q2 here. I am finding it very hard to convince myself for going with B over E.

hr1212 · Answer

I agree E is better than B. Again it's not an official question, so I wouldn't worry too much but my understanding is that,

If M & J had included specific examples from both contexts, their case would have been more compelling, as suggested by,

“In pointing out that it was deemed unladylike for women to engage in economic activity in both France and French Indochina, Malley and Jemson would have strengthened their case by offering specific examples from both those parts of the world.”

In exploring the role of women during colonial times, historiographers

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

In exploring the role of women during colonial times, historiographers

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia