Androgyny and the BSRI (gender) Flashcards
Androgyny is where some displays ______ levels of masculine and feminine characteristics
-Similar
What is the aim of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)?
- To construct an inventory to measure masculinity, femininity and androgyny
What was the method of the BSRI?
- 20 characteristics considered to be ‘male’
-20 characteristics considered to be ‘female’
-20 ‘neutral’ characteristics
-Respondents rate themselves on a 7 point rating scale for each characteristic, with 1=not true for me, 7=always true of me
-scores then classified on 2 dimensions–> masculinity-femininity and androgynous-undifferentiated
What were the results of the BSRI?
- When it was tested on 1000 students it was deemed valid when checked against samples own description of their gender identity
-A smaller sample was tested again a month later and similar results gained–> shows it’a reliable
What conclusions can be drawn about the BSRI?
- Valid+ reliable
-Some people score high on masculine and feminine traits
- men score high on masculine traits, females score high on feminine traits
- More people were androgynous than at the extremes–> these people tend to be psychologically healthier
- some people scored low on both traits and were described as ‘undifferentiated’
BSRI evaluation- general point=
- It has good test-retest reliability and it’s valid
BSRI evaluation- what’s the problem that occurs while using inventories?
- It requires pps to have an INSIGHT into their personality and behaviour which not all people have.
- And respondents could lie to give SOCIALLY DESIRABLE answers
BSRI evaluation- Gender identity is too ______ to be reduced to a _____ store. What does Golombuk and Fivush say?
- COMPLEX
-SINGLE
They say in order to understand gender identity, broader issues should be considered such as someone’s interests
BSRI evaluation- how does historical bias affect the BSRI?
- Developed over 40 years ago
-Behaviours considered typical then have changed since
–> made from stereotypical views of masculinity and femininity that are outdated.
IT LACKS TEMPORAL VALIDITY
BRSI evaluation- how does culture bias affect it?
- Scale was devised by US nationals
- Western notions of masculinity and femininity may not be shared across all cultures and societies
BSRI evaluation- the idea that androgynous people are more psychologically healthy is supported by:
- FLAHERTY and DUESK
they have a higher degree of self-esteem, better emotional wellbeing and more adaptable behaviour
Ben saw androgyny as positive and desirable, but it may not be as some researchers believe that people who display a higher proportion of _________ traits are BETTER ADJUSTED and these are more ________ valued in western society.
- Masculine
- Highly
