Masculinity/femininity test
For the longest time, up until the 1970s, the scientific community viewed masculine and feminine characteristics as diametrically opposed. This perspective suggested that if an individual demonstrated a pronounced expression of one gender trait, the other would inherently be less noticeable.
However, this concept was challenged by American social psychologist Dr. Sandra Ruth Lipsitz Bem. She introduced a theory positing that an individual could express high levels of both masculine and feminine traits simultaneously. Furthermore, she suggested that a significant number of people naturally identify with both these characteristics, a blend that classifies their personality as androgynous. This innovative thinking led to the development of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), a tool to measure the presence and intensity of gender traits.
The interactive Gender-Role Test you'll encounter here draws inspiration from the BSRI. It's a modern tool designed to gauge the levels of masculinity and femininity in an individual's personality.
Dissecting the Theory
Despite its influence, Bem's work has been subject to criticism for its failure to account for cultural, social, and religious diversity. It's crucial to recognize that gender stereotypes have undergone significant changes over the past several decades, leading to more intricate conceptions of masculine and feminine roles.
Nevertheless, despite the controversies surrounding gender stereotyping, the BSRI has remained a popular and reliable tool for assessing various facets of gender traits. Its validity and reliability are widely acknowledged.