Androgyny

Question 1

what does androgyny mean

Answer 1

refers to a personality type that is characterized by a balance of masculine and feminine traits, attitudes and behaviours.

Question 2

who developed a method for measuring androgyny

Answer 2

Sandra Bem

Question 3

how did they measure androgyny

Answer 3

• The Ben sex role inventory (1974)
• represents 20 characteristics that would be commonly identified as ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ and neutral
• respondents had to rate themselves on a 7 point scale
• scores are then classified on the basis of two dimensions (masculinity-femininity and androgynous-undifferentiated)

Question 4

what were items for masculinity

Answer 4

• ambitious
• analytical
• acts as a leader
• athletic

Question 5

what were items for femininity

Answer 5

• affectionate
• compassionate
• does not use harsh language

Question 6

what were neutral items

Answer 6

• friendly
• happy
• adaptable
• conscientious
• conventional

Question 7

what are strengths to androgyny

Answer 7

• useful for research purposes: due to its qualitative numerical approach
• at its time it was a valid and reliable way to measure androgyny. Developed by asking 50 males/female judges to rate 200 characteristics which represented ‘maleness’ and ‘femaleness’. The traits which scored the highest became the masculine and feminine traits. Piloted with over 1000 students. A follow up study was completed which showed similar results given it test-retest reliability.

Question 8

what are weaknesses to androgyny

Answer 8

• puts pressure on people to really understand their personality and have insight into themselves. Questionnaires are subjective.
• places a lot of emphasis on the idea that androgynous individiuals re more psychologically healthy as they can deal with situations that demand masculine and feminine traits. This assumption has been challenged bc in individualistic cultures masculine traits are more highly valued (Adams and Sherer 1985)