Gender Rigidity

Gender rigidity is defined as repressing traits culturally associated with the opposite sex. The article asserts that men carry feminine traits and women carry masculine traits. Early caregivers of the opposite gender can become internal templates that shape later emotional and romantic patterns. Jung's anima and animus concepts frame inner feminine and masculine aspects whose integration creates wholeness. People may seek partners who express traits they deny in themselves. Cultural polarization between men and women is described as socially destructive.