Likewise, androgynous men are more nuturant than masculine men. Androgynous men feel more comfortable holding, touching and playing with babies. They are more able to show empathy and offer support to others. Stereotyped masculine men are typically unresponsive in these situations. Rigid, stereotyped sex roles seriously restrict behavior.
Masculine men have great difficulty in expressing warmth, playfulness and concern.
Likewise, feminine women have trouble being independent and assertive even when independence and assertiveness are needed. In contrast, choosing from a wider range of behaviors, truly androgynous people are able to modify their responses according to their needs and the needs of the situation. Bem believes that androgynous people are freer, more adaptable and more emotionally healthy than those who restrict their behavior to traditional sex roles. Some may not agree with her. Likewise, women can speak up for their rights without losing their femininity.