Ethnicity as a determinant of sex role identity: A replication study of item selection for the Bem Sex Role Inventory

Abstract

An analysis of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was conducted to determine (1) whether the instrument is a valid indicator of current cultural definitions of masculinity/femininity, and (2) whether cultural definitions of masculinity/femininity, as indicated by the BSRI, differ between various cultural groups—specifically, African-American, Anglo, and Hispanic. Results indicate that the B[R]SRI, within limits, appears to still be a valid indicator of “American” cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity. However, the scale was found to be less valid as a measure of M/F among Hispanic-American and African-American subjects. The study calls for the development of culture-specific sex role inventories for use among non-Anglo segments.