"Society says that men need to be bigger and stronger, and they must protect their women and so on"

In this quote, Carol Alt is highlighting the societal expectations placed on males. She recommends that society dictates that males should be physically bigger and more powerful, which they have a responsibility to safeguard their female counterparts. This concept of conventional gender roles is deeply deep-rooted in our culture, and it puts pressure on males to conform to a particular picture of masculinity. Alt's usage of the expression "and so on" suggests that there are numerous other expectations put on men by society, beyond simply physical strength and defense. This quote clarifies the societal pressures and expectations that men face, and the effect it can have on their self-image and habits.