Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) by Sandra Bem

Introduction to Bem Sex-Role Inventory

The Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), developed by renowned social psychologist Sandra Bem (1944–2014), is a widely used tool for measuring masculinity and femininity. It aims to assess how individuals psychologically identify with gender traits and explore the concept of androgyny—combining both masculine and feminine characteristics. While the BSRI has faced some criticism regarding its relevance, it remains a popular test in gender research and student projects. Some researchers still consider it a valid measure today (Carver et al., 2013), though others have raised doubts (Colley et al., 2009).

Show Details

This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • Bem, S. L. (1974). The measurement of psychological androgyny. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42(2), 155-162. 10.1037/h0036215
  • A. Colley, G. Mulhern, J. Maltby, A.M. Wood. (2009). The short form BSRI: Instrumentality, expressiveness and gender associations among a United Kingdom sample. Personality and Individual Differences, 46, 384-387.
  • Pedhazur, E. J., & Tetenbaum, T. J. (1979). Bem Sex Role Inventory: A theoretical and methodological critique. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 37(6), 996-1016.
  • F. Carver, A. Vafaei, R. Guerra, A. Freire, and S. P. Phillips (2013). Gender Differences: Examination of the 12-Item Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI-12) in an Older Brazilian Population. Plos ONE, 8, e76356.
  • Hoffman, R.M. & Borders, L.D. (2001). Twenty five years after the Bem Sex Role Inventory: A reassessment and new issues regarding classification variability. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 34, 39-55.

Learn More

Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS)

Featured

Measure men's gender role conflict across four patterns: success/power/competition, restrictive emotionality, affectionate behavior between men, and work-family conflict.

Start

Male Role Norms Inventory (MRNI-R)

Measures endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology across seven subscales.

Start

Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI)

Explore both hostile and benevolent sexist attitudes toward women with this validated 22-item scale (Glick & Fiske, 1996).

Start

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Let us know.

How many items does the inventory have?

60 items: 20 femininity-typed traits, 20 masculinity-typed traits and 20 neutral filler traits, each rated on a 7-point scale.

What does my result mean?

Scores on the masculinity and femininity scales are split at the median into four categories: masculine, feminine, androgynous (high on both) and undifferentiated (low on both), following Bem's original classification.

Where does the test come from?

The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was published by Sandra Bem in 1974. This is a free adaptation; it is not the commercially licensed original instrument.

How should I interpret it today?

The BSRI reflects 1970s American conceptions of gender-typed traits, and the field has moved on since. Read your result as a historical instrument and a prompt for reflection, not a statement about who you are.

Buy me a coffee