Independent CPI masculinity and femininity scales: psychological correlates and a sex-role typology.

The meanings of masculinity and femininity as measured by independent scales (MSC and FMN) on the CPi are explored, and a sex-role typology is constructed. The CPI and ACL were administered to 287 college students. Correlations of MSC and FMN with 18 CPI measures showed both masculinity and femininity to be positive traits. Masculinity included self-confidence, mental alertness, assertiveness, leadership, and poise; femininity included socialization, self-control, development of ethical standards, and emotional sensitivity. A sex-role typology was formed, based on joint MSC and FMN scores, and each sex-role type was described, based on its relationship with 18 measures on the CPI and 300 adjectives on the ACL. The typology showed that the high MSC/high FMN group described themselves in favorable terms. The low MSC/low FMN group appeared unhappy, somewhat withdrawn, and distrustful. The self-description of high MSC/low FMN and low MSC/high FMN groups corresponded to stereotypic views of masculinity and femininity, respectively. The similarity of these findings with research using different approaches suggests that consistent pictures of masculinity, femininity, and sex-role types are emerging.