A Framework for Sex Role Counseling

Abstract

The androgyny model of masculinity and femininity serves as the basis for a framework for sex role counseling applicable to both sexes. A conceptualization of individual differences in sex role-related characteristics suggests criteria for personal sex role adjustment other than universal conformity to traditional sex role requirements. It is suggested that consistency among an individual's feminine and masculine selfattributions, sex role ideals, environmental demands with their accompanying rewards and costs, and the behavioral repertoire available for dealing with current situations is needed for a comfortable sense of self as a woman or man. Examples of sex role problems, counseling goals, and interventions are described within this framework. Sex role counseling thus requires a clear comprehension of the impact of sex roles on a personal level.

Men in Counseling: A Content Analysis of the Journal of Counseling & Development and Counselor Education and Supervision 1981–2011

“…Another result of this analysis revealed that, during the 5-year period of 1981-1985 after the special issue, 627 articles were published. Of those, only one article written (Cook, 1985) met the analysis criteria of a 50% focus on men. However, during 1986-1990, there were 21 articles published containing the keywords, equating to 3.4% of articles.…”

Voices of Care and Justice in Clinical Supervision: Issues and Interventions

“…We agree that supervisors ought to take a proactive stance when it comes to gender bias against women (e.g., Gilbert, 1987b;Porter, 1985). We posit, however, that a supervisor's gender bias may adversely affect both women and men in supervision, irrespective of the supervisor's sex (Bernard & Goodyear, 1992;Cook, 1985;Gilbert, 1987aGilbert, , 1987bScher & Good. 1990;Scher, Stevens, Good, & Eichenfleld, 1987).…”

“…205-207). Several excellent resources currently exist that delineate a variety of exercises to increase awareness of gender related biases (see Bernard & Goodyear, 1992;Brodsky, 1980;Buhrke, 1989;Cook, 1985;Dworkin & Gutierrez, 1989;Gilbert, 1987b;Moore & Nelson, 1981;Pedersen, 1991;Vasquez, 1988; and the references therein). These exercises are particularly useful in counselor training and supervision to increase counselors' awareness of their biases and stereotypes and to integrate the cognitive knowledge gained from the readings.…”

“…Several authors (see Bernard & Goodyear, 1992) have recommended that counselors engage in social experiences with minorities, such as spending time in ethnic neighborhoods. Applying this idea to gender issues, counselors ought to be exposed to men and women who are diverse in terms of their gender role identity (e.g., androgynous women and men; Cook, 1985). This may be achieved by viewing and discussing appropriate films, having androgynous role models in the program, and participating in proactive women's or men's groups and organizations.…”

A Gender Role Workshop Focused on Sexism, Gender Role Conflict, and the Gender Role Journey

“…The workshop's conceptual base encouraged participants to examine their present and past experiences with gender roles. The four major concepts of the workshop were sexism (Albee, 1981), gender role conflict (Cook, 1985;O'Neil, Helms, Gable, David, & Wrightsman, 1986;Pleck, 1981), gender role transitions (Block, 1973;O'Neil, Fishman, & Kinsella-Shaw, 1987), and the gender role journey (O'Neil, 1986). Each concept is briefly defined below to provide a theoretical context for the workshop.…”