In society and culture, there are various expectations placed upon men and women regarding their roles in life. These include how they dress, speak, behave, think, act, work, interact, and even the relationships they form. Gender norms have been historically influenced by social institutions like education systems, religion, family, media, politics, economics, law, and healthcare services. The military is no exception to this phenomenon.
The military environment is characterized by hierarchical command structures where members are expected to adhere to strict rules and regulations which must be followed without questioning. Such codes of conduct impact every aspect of an individual's life within the force. This includes interpersonal relations among peers and superiors in a given unit. Moreover, these guidelines also influence sexual behavior in the institution, thereby shaping the relational satisfaction between individuals.
Gendered perceptions of masculinity and femininity in the military are often deeply rooted in cultural values that view males as aggressive, dominating, competitive, independent, strong, tough, emotionally restrained, assertive, and disciplined while females are seen as passive, submissive, nurturing, caring, compassionate, gentle, emotional, and vulnerable. Thus, gender norms create barriers for both genders, preventing them from expressing themselves freely, openly, and intimately.
Male soldiers are discouraged from showing their feelings or talking about their emotions because it is perceived as a sign of weakness. They are required to suppress any softer side of themselves, including their sexual needs, desires, and fantasies. Female soldiers are supposed to obey orders without question, and they risk being seen as insubordinate if they fail to follow instructions. These rigid expectations mean that some women may feel pressure to deny their sexuality altogether while men might experience a lack of emotional depth in relationships.
There is a power imbalance in the military due to rank differences, with senior officers having more authority than junior ones. In such situations, female enlisted members may be subject to exploitation by their commanders who have greater physical strength, resources, status, and leverage over them. This can lead to unwanted sexual advances, which may leave victims feeling helpless and hopeless.
Such social constructions of masculinity and femininity influence how people interact sexually within the force.
A man who feels pressured to act macho all the time may find it difficult to connect emotionally with his partner or admit that he wants more intimacy in their relationship. Similarly, a woman who has been trained to be submissive may not speak up when she feels uncomfortable during intercourse or ask her lover to take things slower. Both parties may end up dissatisfied with each other's behavior, leading to relationship breakdown.
Cultural gender norms play an essential role in shaping sexual satisfaction among soldiers. The institution must work towards creating a culture where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves freely without fear of judgment or retribution from their superiors or peers. This will promote healthy relationships based on mutual respect and trust instead of forced conformity.
How do culturally and socially constructed gender expectations influence sexual behavior and relational satisfaction in the military?
Different cultural and social norms can shape how men and women behave sexually and form relationships within the military community. In many traditionalist societies, including the U. S. , gender roles are often rigidly defined, where males are expected to be dominant and aggressive while females tend to be passive and submissive.