The word androgyny (an-DRAW-ji-nee), meaning "having characteristics of both sexes,” is derived from the Greek roots andr-, meaning "man,” and gyne-, meaning "woman.” The term is used to describe flexibility in gender role. Androgynous individuals have integrated aspects of masculinity and femininity into their personalities and behavior. Androgyny offers the option of expressing whatever behavior seems appropriate in a given situation instead of limiting responses to those considered gender appropriate. Thus androgynous men and women might be assertive on the job but nurturing with friends, family members, and lovers. Many men and women possess characteristics consistent with traditional gender assumptions but also have interests and behavioral tendencies typically ascribed to the other sex. Actually, people can range from being very masculine or feminine to being both masculine and feminine—that is, androgynous.
Social psychologist Sandra Bem (1975, 1993) developed a paper-and-pencil inventory for measuring the degree to which individuals are identified with masculine or feminine behaviors or a combination thereof. Similar devices have been developed since Bem’s pioneering work. Armed with these devices for measuring androgyny, a number of researchers have investigated how androgynous individuals compare with strongly gender-typed people.
A number of studies indicate that androgynous people are more flexible in their behaviors, are less limited by rigid gender-role assumptions, have higher levels of selfesteem, make better decisions in group settings, have better communication skills, and exhibit more social competence and motivation to achieve than do people who are strongly gender typed or those who score low in both areas (Hirokawa et al., 2004; Kirchmeyer, 1996; Shimonaka et al., 1997). Research also demonstrates that masculine and androgynous people of both sexes are more independent and less likely to have their opinions swayed than are individuals who are strongly identified with the feminine role (Bem, 1975). In fact, both androgyny and high masculinity appear to be adaptive for both sexes at all ages (Sinnott, 1986). However, feminine and androgynous people of both sexes appear to be significantly more nurturing than those who adhere to the masculine role (Bem, 1993; Ray & Gold, 1996).
We need to be cautious about concluding that androgyny is an ideal state, free of potential problems. One study found that masculine-typed males demonstrated better overall emotional adjustment than did androgynous males (Jones et al., 1978). Another study, of college professors in their early careers, found that androgynous individuals exhibited greater personal satisfaction but more job-related stress than those who were strongly gender typed (Rotheram & Weiner, 1983). In a large sample of college students, masculine personality characteristics were also more closely associated with being versatile and adaptable than was the trait of androgyny (Lee & Scheurer, 1983). Other studies have also indicated that it may be masculinity, not femininity or androgyny, that is most closely associated with successful adjustment and positive self-esteem
(Ungar & Crawford, 1992; D. Williams & D’Alessandro, 1994). This may be "because masculine attributes are viewed more positively and consequently lead to greater social rewards" (Burn et al., 1996, p. 420). Thus, although androgyny is often associated with emotional, social, and behavioral competence, more information is necessary for a complete picture of its effect on personal adjustment and satisfaction.
Androgynous individuals, both male and female, seem to have more positive attitudes toward sexuality and are more aware of and expressive of feelings of love than are individuals who are traditionally gender typed (Ganong & Coleman, 1987; Walfish & Myerson, 1980). Androgynous people also appear to be more tolerant and less likely to judge or criticize the sexual behaviors of others (Garcia, 1982). Studies have found that androgynous women are more orgasmic and experience more sexual satisfaction than do feminine-typed women (Kimlicka et al., 1983; Radlove, 1983). However, two separate investigations have revealed that masculine males are significantly more comfortable with sex than are androgynous females, indicating that biological sex may still exert a stronger effect than gender typing (Allgeier, 1981; Walfish & Myerson, 1980).
Our own guess is that androgynous people tend to be flexible and comfortable in their sexuality. We would expect such people, whether men or women, to have great capacity to enjoy both the emotional and the physical aspects of sexual intimacy. Androgynous lovers are probably comfortable both initiating and responding to invitations for sexual sharing, and they are probably not significantly limited by preconceived notions of who must do what—and how—during their lovemaking. These observations are supported by research indicating that androgynous couples experience more emotional and sexual satisfaction and personal commitment in their relationships than do gender-typed couples (Rosenzweig & Daily, 1989; Stephen & Harrison, 1985).
Research on androgyny continues, and we certainly have good reasons to be cautious about an unequivocally enthusiastic endorsement of this behavioral style. Nevertheless, evidence collected thus far suggests that people who can transcend traditional gender roles are able to function more comfortably and effectively in a wider range of situations. Androgynous individuals can select from a broad repertoire of feminine and masculine behaviors. They can choose to be independent, assertive, nurturing, or tender, based not on gender-role norms but rather on what provides them and others with optimum personal satisfaction in a given situation.