The military is an institution that has been historically characterized by traditional gender roles and expectations. Men were seen as strong and masculine while women were expected to be submissive and domestic.
This viewpoint is changing, especially in light of increased opportunities for women to serve in combat roles. This change presents new challenges for how the military addresses issues surrounding gender expression and identity.
In the past, the military discouraged anything outside of what was considered normative, including expressions of non-heterosexuality and transgender identities. Those who did not conform to these expectations faced discipline, discharge, and even criminal prosecution. Today, however, there are policies in place that protect service members from discrimination based on their gender expression.
Despite these protections, there is still a significant culture within the military that discourages openness toward diverse expressions of gender. This can lead to negative outcomes such as harassment, assault, and retaliation against those who express themselves differently than what is expected. This can also lead to a lack of trust between service members, which impacts teamwork and unit cohesion.
There are several reasons why military culture may have difficulty accepting different expressions of gender. One reason is that the military is highly structured and hierarchical. Service members are required to follow orders without question, and leaders are expected to maintain order and control. This structure makes it difficult for individuals to challenge or rebel against norms.
The military emphasizes tradition and history, which can make it hard to accept changes in policy or practice.
Many military personnel come from conservative backgrounds where gender roles and expectations were more rigid.
Despite these challenges, some efforts are being made to increase openness towards diverse expressions of gender.
The Department of Defense has developed guidelines to address transgender service members' needs and ensure they are treated fairly and with respect. There is also a growing movement among service members to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to discuss their experiences and support each other.
While progress is being made, much work remains to be done. The military must continue to address issues related to gender expression head-on and create an environment where all service members feel comfortable expressing themselves fully. Doing so will not only improve morale but also help the military better serve its mission by attracting and retaining talented personnel from all backgrounds.
How does military culture influence openness toward diverse expressions of gender?
Military culture often promotes traditional gender roles and norms that can limit individuals' ability to express their gender freely and authentically. This can create an atmosphere where those who do not conform to these norms may feel pressure to hide or suppress their true selves, which can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion.