Androgyny

Definition

The term androgyny is derived from the Greek andro (man) and gyne (woman). The popular conception of androgyny is a blend of male and female characteristics or a person who is neither male nor female. Psychological androgyny refers to men and women who exhibit both masculine and feminine attributes.

Background and History

Psychologists have measured masculinity and femininity, along with other important personality traits, since the early 20th century. These early tests were developed by identifying items that reflected differences in men's and women's responses. For example, the masculinity–femininity scale of the original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory included items that male participants endorsed as being descriptive of their personality attributes. At that time, psychologists shared the Western cultural assumption that mentally healthy men were masculine and mentally ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles