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TRADITIONAL SEX TYPES UNHEALTHY

By John Kline

Recent studies by sociologists and psychologists reveal that rigid sex roles can seriously restrict behavior for both males and females. Men have traditionally been taught to be strong, independent, and assertive; while women were brought up to be gentle, loving, yielding, sensitive, and dependent.

In a modern complex society like ours, an adult must be able to cope effectively with diverse situations in many occupational areas, whether he/she be a teacher, sales person, a store clerk, a banker, or a chemist. A wide range of human responses is necessary to deal with multipeople-oriented problems. An adult has to be assertive, independent, and self-reliant, but traditional feminity makes many women unable to behave in these ways. On the other hand, an adult must also be able to relate to other people, be sensitive to their needs and concerned about their welfare, as well as to be able to depend on them for emotional support. Men in their conditioned masculinity are kept from responding in such supposedly feminine ways.

Recent studies and tests show that sex-typed people really are restricted in their behavior while androgynous people (from "andro," male, and "gyne," female) are truly more adaptive. Investigations indicate that an androgynous person is better able

to express him/herself, cope with human situations, and develop creativity in his or her work.

sex

In fact, there is considerable evidence that traditional typing is unhealthy. According to a report in Psychology Today, high femininity in females consistently correlates with high anxiety, low-esteem, and low self-acceptance. Although high masculinity in males has been related to better psychological adjustment during adolescence, it is often accompanied during adulthood by high anxiety, high neuroticism, and low selfacceptance. Further, greater intellectual development has quite consistently correlated with cross-sex typing (masculinity in girls, feminity in boys). Boys who are strongly masculine and girls who are strongly feminine tend to have lower overall intelligence, lower spatial ability, and show less creativity.

"Male" and "female" characteristics are present in both men and women, although our culture has done its best to obscure this fact. People learn during their early years to suppress any behavior that might be considered undesirable or inappropriate for their sex. It appears, however, that the most effective and happy individuals are likely to be those who have accepted and developed both the "masculine" and "feminine" sides of themselves.

Mix Politics With

The 'Good Life'

HIGH GEAR

November, 1975

STARTING 6 pm SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30

BAYOU LANDING

CLEVELAND

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Another alternative for Cleveland's social life.

The latest rage from N.Y.

TEA DANCE

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FOLLOWED BY THE SHOW AT 10:30 pm

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NOVEMBER AT THE

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Tuesday, November 1...........What Ever Happened To Baby Jane" Sunday, November 16. Tiffany Middlesexx's Surprise Birthday Party Tuesday, November 18...............Casino Royale"

Sunday, November 23........... Tiffany Jones' First Farewell Performance Tuesday, November 25.........."'Brian's Song" Thanksgiving Day, November 27....... Opening Night: "Babes In Boyland" Revue Hosted by Tiffany Middlesexx

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