Adaptive and pathogenic aspects of sex-role stereotypes: implications for parenting and psychotherapy

There has been considerable controversy concerning adaptive versus pathogenic effects of sex-role stereotypes on individual development. The author evaluates both the positive and negative consequences of sex- role stereotypes without regard for any particular sociocultural definition of masculinity or feminity. She hypothesizes that the degree to which sex-role stereotypes are adaptive and facilitative (as opposed to restrictive and pathogenic) is inversely related to the degree to which an individual has consolidated a comfortable and stable gender is identity. Implications for parenting and treatment are elaborated.