In the late 1970's androgyny as a concept gained respectability, accompanied, however, by a backlash. Debate centered primarily on scientific grounds and both sides failed to define the concepts of masculinity, femininity and androgyny, including possible cultural relativity. Most empirical research on androgyny uses either the BSRI or the PAQ tests which contain separate masculinity and femininity scales with low degrees of correlation, thereby supporting dualistic conceptions: both tests measure abstract personality traits; and neither has a high correlation to sex role attitudes, behaviors, or preferences. In designing and interpreting studies involving psychometric measures, scale content must be considered. Validity of the dualistic approach is currently questionable. Similarly, the "superiority" of being androgynous is questionable and needs further definition. Instrumentality, expressiveness, and interactions between the sexes currently have profound and complex implications needing clarification. (Author/LS)