Androgyny

• What does androgyny mean in everyday language?

  It means to have the appearance of someone who cannot be clearly identified as male or female.
• How does psychology define androgyny?

  It refers to a personality type that is a mixture or balance of masculine and feminine traits, attitudes, or behaviours.
• What did Sandra Bem suggest about high androgyny?

  She suggested that high androgyny is associated with psychological well-being.
• Why are androgynous people considered better equipped to adapt to situations?

  Because they can adapt to a range of situations better than non-androgynous people.
• Can both males and females be androgynous?

  Yes, both males and females can be androgynous.
• Why is a very masculine female or a very feminine male not considered androgynous?

  Because they don't exhibit the necessary balance of male and female traits.
• What is the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)?

  It is the first systematic attempt to measure androgyny using a rating scale of 60 traits.
• How many traits does the BSRI use to measure androgyny?

  It uses 60 traits: 20 masculine, 20 feminine, and 20 neutral.
• What scale do respondents use to rate themselves on the BSRI?

  They use a 7-point scale where 1 is never true of me and 7 is always true of me.
• What are some examples of masculine items in the BSRI?

  Examples include athletic, ambitious, aggressive, and willing to take risks.
• What are some examples of feminine items in the BSRI?

  Examples include affectionate, gentle, warm, and loves children.
• What are some examples of neutral items in the BSRI?

  Examples include conscientious, friendly, reliable, and truthful.
• What are the weaknesses of the BSRI?

  • Cultural Issues: May not consider social and cultural contexts.
  • Temporal Validity: Developed over 50 years ago, relies on outdated notions.
  • Ethnocentric: Based on Western notions of masculinity and femininity.
• What cultural issues are associated with the BSRI?

  It may not have considered the social and cultural contexts in which it was developed.
• What did Adams and Sherer suggest about androgynous traits?

  They suggested that androgynous traits are more valued in Western societies.
• Why does the BSRI lack temporal validity?

  Because it relies on stereotypical and outdated notions of masculinity and femininity.
• What does it mean that the BSRI is ethnocentric?

  It means it was devised using a panel of judges from the USA, relying on Western notions.
• What are the implications of the BSRI being ethnocentric?

  It means that the results may not be valid in other cultures.