2. androgyny and the BSRI

Question 1

androgyny

Answer 1

display balance of masculine and feminine characteristics in one’s personality
appearance not clearly identify as male and female
psychology= personality type mixture/balance of masculine and feminine traits, attitudes, behaviours
Sandra Bem= high androgyny with psychological well-being better equipped to adapt to range of situations

Question 2

The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)

Answer 2

first systematic attempt to measure androgyny
rating scale 60 traits, 20 masc., 20 fem, 20 neutral
rate themselves on a 7-point scale for each item 1=never true, 7 always true
scores added up, score given for masculinity, femininity, androgyny
masc: athletic, ambitious, aggressive
fem: affectionate, gentle, warm
neutral: conscientious, friendly, reliable

Question 3

BSRI
strength
validity

Answer 3

50 male and 50 female judges rated 200 traits being masc, fem, neutral
highest 20 in each section chosen
piloted over 1000 students results corresponded with own description of gender identity
suggests accurate measure of androgyny

Question 4

BSRI
stretngth
reliability

Answer 4

high test-retest reliability consistent over time
follow up study smaller sample month later found similar scores correlations
short form of scale 30 items
improved internal reliability less socially desirable removed eg childlike
strong correlation
=confidence to measurement

Question 5

BSRI
strength
practical applications

Answer 5

if better for physical and psychological health as Bem suggests
parents should raise children free to assume characteristics of either gender
needs changes how society views gender
huge social implications reducing NHS burden

Question 6

BSRI
weakness
cultural issues

Answer 6

Bem not considered social and cultural context
emphasised androgynous psychologically healthy challenged by Adams and Sherer= more masculine= better suited as more valued in Western societies
predictions/interventions based on BSRI not accurate/useful

Question 7

BSRI
weakness
temporal validity

Answer 7

over 40 years ago
relies on stereotypes and outdated beliefs about masculinity and feminity become blurred recent years
no longer relevant

Question 8

BSRI
weakness
ethnocentric

Answer 8

panel of judges from the USA
relies on Western notions of maleness and femaleness eg strong vs gentle
results not valid in other cultures