The bem sex-role inventory and its measurement of androgyny

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the adequacy of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) as a measure of androgyny. The meaning of androgyny is discussed in detail in order to clarify the confused aspects of its definition, such as situational flexibility and adaptability. It becomes clear that the situational aspect of androgyny is often neglected and is difficult to clarify, and that the meaning of androgyny is complex. The BSRI is considered in the light of this complexity and it is argued that an adjective check-list measure cannot be adequate. The application of androgyny theory and the use of the BSRI in therapy are also considered. It is suggested that there is a dangerous gap between the conceptualization of androgyny and empirical methods of measuring it, which leads to a questioning of the value of both the concept and the measure.