Androgyny

• (AO1) Define androgyny

  Androgyny = describes a gender identity characterised by a balance of masculine and feminine traits.

  
  

  According to Bem - high levels of both masculine (adaptable, acts as leader) and feminine (nurturing, gentle) traits result in an = androgynous identity, one which is associated with positive well-being.
• (AO1) Quick - define undifferentiated, sex typed, and cross-sex typed

  Undifferentiated = low on both traits (m/f)

  Sex typed = when gender and sex match

  Cross-sex typed = when gender and sex don't match
• (AO1) Link Sandra Bem's 1974 study to androgyny

  Aim = To measure androgyny

  Method =

  • Developed a self-report questionnaire titled 'Bem Sex Role Inventory' (BSRI).
  • Included 60 characteristics - 20 masculine (e.g. aggressive, independent, risk taking), 20 feminine (warm, cheerful, sky), and 20 neutral (honesty).
  • Ppts then rated themselves on a 7 point scale, from always true - never true.

  Bem suggested = ppl who are highly androgynous are more psychologically healthy / have greater mental wellbeing than ppl who are: strongly masculine, strongly feminine or undifferentiated.
• (AO3) Strength - modification of og model

  Point: Modification of original model

  
  

  Evidence: Bem later added undifferentiated into her questionnaire for those individuals who score low in both masculine and feminine.

  
  

  Evaluate: Through filling in this crucial gap, her questionnaire became more inclusive and compatible with a wider populace:

  (1) improving the result's validity as better captured gender identity variations

  (2) enhancing the accuracy of her classification, making the BSRI more representative of a diverse range of gender characteristics.
• (AO3) Strength - highlights the benefits of androgyny

  Point: Highlights benefits of androgyny.

  
  

  Evidence: Individuals with both f & m traits have more opportunities for fufillment in different areas of life e.g. careers, hobbies, relationships. Androgyny also benefits children, giving them more choices beyond traditional gender roles = maybe increasing confidence in their self-expression.

  
  

  HOWEVER: Negatives traits have been linked to androgyny - competitiveness & perfectionism. Could create pressure to achieve unrealistic self-expectations, especially in work/academic settings.
• (AO3) Strength - high levels of reliability

  Point: Bem's research on androgyny contains high reliability.

  Evidence (1): Results have shown to be consistent over time. Bem conducted a test-retest, where 56 out of 600 ppts repeated the questionnaire, and the results remained stable.

  
  

  Evidence (2): This study has also been replicated by various researchers, who found similar results - further supporting its reliability.
• (AO3) Limitation - temporal validity

  Point: Gender identities have changed since the 1970s.

  
  

  Evidence: Making some views on masculinity and femininity outdated. E.g. traits like crying/nurturing are now seen in both men & women, meaning the original BSRI questionnaire may not fully reflect modern gender roles.

  
  

  Evaluate: This could lead to historical bias in how masculinity and femininity are measured today, reducing temporal validity of the BSRI.