The common view of this verse is that Paul thinks social roles come from man being created first (Genesis 2:7, 22; 1 Corinthians 11:8–12). People often link Paul's reasoning to the leading role of the firstborn son in the Old Testament. However, there are exceptions to the firstborn rule in Scripture (see Genesis 27–28). While the New Testament retains gender differences, it also promotes equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28; see also 1 Corinthians 11:11–12; 12:13; Ephesians 5:21; Colossians 3:11).
It is possible that some false teachers claimed a reversal of gender roles in Christ, which gave women a level of dominance to which Paul objected. Paul might be referring to this in order to challenge that claim and restore balance.