Gender: Androgyny + Measuring Androgyny

Question 1

Definition of Androgyny

Answer 1

Displaying a balance of masculine + feminine characteristics in one’s personality

Question 2

Bem + The Bem Sex Role

Answer 2

• developed a method of measuring androgyny suggesting high androgyny is associated w/ psychological well being
• both masc + fem qualities in equal measure = better equipped to adapt to many situations rather than limited traits

Question 3

The BSRI - Bem Sex Role Inventory

Answer 3

Bem’s 1974 presents 20 characteristics for masc, fem + neutral traits each
=> respondents rate themselves on 7 point scale: 7 = always true, 1 = never
=> Scores classified on 2 dimensions : masc/fem + androgyny/undifferentiated

Question 4

What results of the BSRI mean?

Answer 4

High masculine + low feminine = masculine
High feminine + low masculine = feminine
High on both = androgyny
Low on both = undifferentiated

Question 5

(S) The qualitative nature of Bem’s work

Answer 5

• useful to quantify dependent variable
• `BUT Spence (84) suggest qualitative can express gender better
  => compromise - use of personal attribute questionaire adds dimension to results

Suggests - quantitative + qualitative approach is useful for studying diff aspects of gender

Question 6

(S) Research suggests scale is valid + reliable

Answer 6

developing scale - 50M + 50F judging 200 traits in terms of gender desirability => top 20 of each used
=> piloted w/ 1000 students showed BSRI reflected identity = face validity

follow up study w/ smaller sample gave similar results 1 month later - test-retest reliability
Suggests high v + r for time developed (70s)

Question 7

(L) Scale lacks temporal validity + generalisability

Answer 7

Use of stereotypical ideas of masculinity + femininity that have changed over last 40yrs + devised by all USA panel

Suggests - lacks temporal validity + is culturally biased => not suitable measure of gender identity today

Question 8

(L) People’s lack of awareness + use of 7 point scale => not objective or scientific

Answer 8

Gender is a social construct that’s open to interpretation than sex
+ qs scoring system is subjective so use of scale may vary

Suggests it’s not a scientific way to assess gender

Question 9

Extra - Is mix of traits/androgyny > masculinity?

Answer 9

Some argue those w/ more masc traits are better adjusted as it’s more valued in the west
=> Means - traits may have advantages for psychological health in the west but flexible approach is likely better