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In the process of trying to explain these types of activity many theories have been advanced ranging from "genetic deviations due to endocrine causes" through "psychological conditioning with social fac- tors of an environmental nature," to outright psycho- pathic states. Doubtless here, as in almost all other medical conditions, there are some cases whose etiol- ogy may be based on any of several factors. However, there is one word which has been used by many to "ex- plain" all three types of cases. This is "identific- ation". Identification with the female in this case Since the activity in question is a femininely orient- ed one, this seems to be an obvious "explanation". The word explanation is put in quotes because ident- ification is not in fact an explanation at all. Like so many other things in life, it is often felt that once one has given a descriptive name to a thing, that everything is taken care of and is clear. The concept of "feminine identification" is useful but it is only the germ of an idea. One possible unfolding of this term is the interpretation which follows.

At first blush, "feminine identification" seems to convey a precise meaning. But does it? It may seem a rather naive question to pose, but what IS this "feminine" with which a male may identify? The word "feminine" is an adjective which describes the activity and attitudes and behavior of that kind of human being we call a woman. But "activities", "attitudes", and "behavior" cover three widely diff- erent aspects of life in our society. It is important to the classification which follows to examine these three aspects in a little clearer detail.

First, and most obvious, is the fact that a woman is anatomically different from a man. Therefore, her sexual behavior is different. For purposes of compar- ison, we may refer to this aspect of womanliness as the "sexual woman".

The second aspect we may term the "psychological woman, " and in this category we are referring to those special attitudes and capacities of mind which are ex- hibited by women as contrasted to those ascribed to men.