Sex-roles can be conceptualized in a different manner rather than the usual way of classifying into either masculine or feminine. This re-conceptualization focus on a combined aspect more than singular, independent concepts. Further, it reflects the idea that androgyny deals with a combination of both masculine and feminine traits that are interchangeably used to perform various life roles. In the light of androgyny, masculinity and feminity are not considered as contradictory; instead they are now regarded as complementary. Bem (974) suggested the most familiar definition of androgyny: having the flexibility to engage in both masculine and feminine behaviors as the specific situation warrants. Since such a flexibility exists, androgynous individuals differ from one another with respect to their beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, values, life roles and so on. These variations have brought about different ways of defining psychological androgyny among the research community.
In light of these information, it is advisable to discuss various theoretical concepts in relatio
n to androgyny. There exists several theories of personality that deal with how the personality and related characteristics of an individual is formed, what factors influence personality growth and so on. Alfred Adlers theory on personality is a framework of how an individuals personality is formed. This theory emphasizes the importance of birth order (whether the individual is the first born, second born, last born, only child etc.) in the development of personality. According to Alfred Adlers birth order theory, the category of only boy among girls may tend to be effeminate. Also the category of only girl among boys may show tendencies to be tomboys and try to outdo the brothers. While a masculine self-concept leads to the inhibition of feminine behaviors, and a feminine self-concept to the suppression of masculine behaviors, the androgynous individual integrates both feminine and masculine traits. There is a chance for these two birth order categories to show psychological androgyny. In this context, it is important to make a comparison between the two categories.