Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1974

Publication Title

Women's Studies Newsletter

Volume

2

Issue

2

Pages

217-235

Abstract

Androgyny has been variously understood at different times in different cultures, but the idea has been ever present. Just as in each age myths are reinterpreted, so too the androgynous ideal must be redefined again and again by succeeding generations. Our androgynous vision can be informed by tradition and history, but it must be free of the misogyny and sexism which has pervaded much of what men have written about it heretofore. The continued use of the term androgyny is necessary if we are to transcend the dualistic culture and the sex roles we have inherited, but feminists must clarify that the androgynous society can exist only if women as well as men can live their lives in accord with the androgynous ideal. Moreover, many before us have demanded the "feminization" of their male dominated societies, but now feminists must clarify what they mean by "feminization," how that will change economic and social structures. If we rout sexism from the idea of androgyny and enrich it with feminist ideals, we shall have a vision to guide us in the struggle ahead.

Original Publication Citation

Bazin, N. T. (1974). Annotated bibliography: The concept of androgyny: A working bibliography. Women's Studies Newsletter, 2(2), 217-235.

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