The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was administered to 300 undergraduate college students over a three year period. Results indicated a consistent trend toward scores that were more "androgynous" for the male subjects and more "feminine" for the female subjects. These findings were questioned with respect to the social impact of the adjectives used in the BSRI. Separate questionnaires were developed to present scenarios concerning occupational roles that were typically stereotyped as male or female. One incorporated BSRI adjectives into the work role vignettes, and the other was identical except that the BSRI adjectives were excluded. A single questionnaire form was presented to 200 undergraduate college students who were matched with original subject population. Results indicated that those vignettes using BSRI "masculine" adjectives to describe males involved in stereotyped female work roles were rated "inappropriate" by the respondents. On the other hand, the vignettes using "masculine" adjectives to describe females in traditional male work roles were rated "appropriate." Findings were integrated into the contemporary social view of the occupational roles that are now open to females but which have long been stereotyped as "masculine." (Author)