Martin, Jennifer Lynn. 「The Butch-fem Relationship: Gender Roles and Identifications.」 MLS, Eastern Michigan University, 1996.

Abstract:
The Butch-Fem relationship was the primary expression of Lesbian love relationships from 1940-1960. It was a dichotomous relationship that involved women expressing themselves through gendered behaviors. Throughout the current scholarship, there is much debate on whether such relationships were imitations of heterosexual relationships or whether they stemmed from valid primary gender identifications. This paper will deal with the tensions between primary gender identifications and gender role playing within the Lesbian community, specifically within the Butch-Fem relationship, in an attempt to dispel some of the myths that exist regarding the concept of gender.

The research used to support these conclusions are primary sources (journals and oral histories), autobiographical literature, and secondary sources (feminist/lesbian critical analyses). This paper will incorporate current scholarship in the aforementioned areas, historical perspectives, and sociological/anthropological inquiry.