Gender Identities & BSRI
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 10.1.4
Gender Identity
Gender identity is how people understand their own gender. It can be binary, non-binary, or gender fluid.
Sex and gender
- Sex is a biological classification, typically male or female, based on anatomy and chromosomes.
- Gender is how a person acts, identifies themselves and what characteristics they take on.
- Gender identity may or may not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Understanding gender diversity helps psychologists study identity development and social influences.
Understanding gender identity
- The American Psychological Association defines gender as the socially constructed roles and behaviours linked to being male, female, or another identity.
- Gender identity is how a person experiences and understands their own gender.
- Gender identity is influenced by both social and biological factors.
- Gender identity can change over time and differs across cultures.
Gender binary
- Gender binary is the belief that there are only two genders: male and female.
- Gender binary assumes that gender directly follows biological sex.
- This idea has shaped many laws, traditions, and psychological theories.
- Supporters argue that biological sex determines gender roles and behaviour.
- Critics say the binary limits people’s identities and reinforces stereotypes.
Non-binary identities
- Non-binary people do not identify fully as male or female.
- Non-binary people may identify as both, neither, or somewhere in between.
- Surveys show around 0.4% of adults in the UK identify as non-binary.
- Some cultures recognise more than two genders.
- For example the Hijra in India or Muxes in Mexico.
- Recognising non-binary identities challenges the idea that gender must be binary.
Gender fluidity
- A gender fluid person’s gender identity changes over time.
- A gender fluid person’s gender expression (clothing, voice, behaviour) may vary from day to day.
- This fluidity can reflect how someone explores or experiences their identity.
- Psychologists such as Katz-Wise (2020) describe gender fluidity as dynamic and personal.
- Gender fluid identities challenge fixed ideas of masculinity and femininity.
Modern Views On Gender
Gender is seen as a spectrum, influenced by culture, social learning, and media. Men and women are seen as more similar than different.
Measuring gender
- Sandra Bem (1975) created the The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) to measure how masculine or feminine people saw themselves.
- BSRI was one of the first attempts to measure gender identity scientifically.
Modern views on gender
- Modern psychology views gender as a spectrum, not two fixed categories.
- __ Shibley-Hyde (2005)__ proposed the Gender Similarities Hypothesis.
- Shibley-Hyde (2005) found men and women are more alike than different in most traits.
- Shibley-Hyde's (2005) research challenges gender stereotypes and the idea of large gender gaps.
- Recognising similarities helps reduce bias and promote equality.
Cultural and social influences
- Culture strongly shapes how gender is understood and expressed.
- Social learning theory says we learn gender roles by observing others.
- Parents, peers, and the media reinforce gender expectations.
- Some cultures recognise more than two genders, showing diversity.
- Psychologists see gender as both personal and social, changing across contexts.
Measuring Gender Identity - Bem (1975)
Bem’s Sex Role Inventory (1975) measures masculine, feminine, and neutral traits to study gender identity.
Development of the questionnaire
- Bem (1975) developed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI).
- BSRI measured how strongly individuals identify with traits culturally associated with masculinity or femininity.
- Participants rate themselves on a 7-point scale for 60 traits (20 masculine, 20 feminine, 20 neutral).
- The questionnaire was an early attempt to operationalise gender identity, reflecting 1970s Western gender norms.
Criticisms of Bem
- Critics of Bem’s work cite the fact that it is reductionist - meaning masculine and feminine traits are reduced down to single scores.
- It is difficult to fully encapsulate femininity and masculinity in numbers.
Criticisms of Bem cont.
- Another criticism would be that, when looking at the study through the lens of today’s norms of gender, it would be outdated.
- The traits that were rated were what was desirable in the 1970s. It is difficult to generalise the data to today’s population.
Test yourself on Gender Identities & BSRI
What does the term 'gender identity' refer to?
In which year did Bem develop the Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)?
Which is NOT a criticism of Bem (1975)?