androgyny notesThe idea of androgyny is an interesting one at least. It immediately addresses gendered roles and gendered lives.
Our gender roles affect almost every aspect of our lives, but few of us spend much time thinking about them. If a man cries at times, is he less masculine? If a woman tries to assert herself, is she less feminine? In most cultures, there are distinct roles for men and women. However, the roles vary from culture to culture.
In the United States, there is a consensus on the working roles for the average man or woman. The traits in these stereotypes fall into two separate groups. The first expresses competence and independence, while the second focuses on warmth and expressiveness. Men are seen as having the competence traits, while women are seen as more expressive. Some of these traits are shown below.
In 1974, a Stanford University psychologist, Sandra Bem, developed the concept of androgyny (pronounced "an-DROJ-ih-nee"). "Andro-" means "man," and "gyn-" refers to "woman." Bem does not view femininity and masculinity at opposite poles of a continuum. In other words, if you are high in masculine traits, you are not automatically low in feminine traits. The androgynous person is high in both masculine and feminine traits. Androgynous people can be aggressive or yielding, forceful or gentle, sensitive or assertive — as the particular situation requires. (see also self-monitoring and image maintainence)
Usually, bright or creative people tend to be androgynous. Androgynous people are more adaptable. They behave in ways appropriate to the given situation — regardless of whether the behavior is masculine or feminine. For example, when subjected to group pressures, androgynous women are more assertive and independent than feminine women.
Likewise, androgynous men are more nuturant than masculine men. Androgynous men feel more comfortable holding, touching and playing with babies. They are more able to show empathy and offer support to others.
Stereotyped masculine men are typically unresponsive in these situations. Rigid, stereotyped sex roles seriously restrict behavior. Masculine men have great difficulty in expressing warmth, playfulness and concern. They believe that expressing "feminine" traits will make them seem like "sissies" or negate their "macho" image.
Likewise, feminine women have trouble being independent and assertive — even when independence and assertiveness are needed. In contrast, choosing from a wider range of behaviors, truly androgynous people are able to modify their responses — according to their needs and the needs of the situation. Bem believes that androgynous people are freer, more adaptable and more emotionally healthy than those who restrict their behavior to traditional sex roles.
Some may not agree with her. Even so, men can be tender without losing their "macho." Likewise, women can speak up for their rights without losing their femininity. Essentially, anyone's behavior can be determined by their individual humanity or the demands of the situation — not merely by the restrictive roles of masculinity or femininity.
Excerpt taken from Dr. David Gershaw.
Other resources:
http://www.garysturt.free-online.co.uk/bem.htm
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2294/is_11-12_49/ai_111635868
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