Military service is an integral part of American culture, as it has been since the founding of the country.
Serving in the military often means being away from family for extended periods of time, which can put stress on marriages. This article will explore how gendered expectations about masculinity, femininity, and communication may impact communication, conflict resolution, and sexual intimacy among military couples.
In traditional societies around the world, men are expected to be dominant, aggressive, and stoic while women are expected to be submissive, nurturing, and emotional. These gender roles have carried into modern society, including the military. Men are expected to take charge and make decisions, while women are expected to listen and support their husbands.
These gender roles can create conflicts in military relationships when they come up against each other.
If a husband expects his wife to defer to him in decision-making but she feels more comfortable making her own choices, this could lead to arguments or misunderstandings. Similarly, if a husband expects his wife to always be available for emotional support but she needs space to process her own feelings, this could also cause tension.
Another way that gendered expectations can affect military couples' communication is through language use. Military jargon and acronyms can be confusing for civilians, but military wives are often expected to understand them without explanation. This can lead to frustration and resentment if a husband assumes his wife should know what he's talking about without explaining it.
Different branches of the military may have different terminology, which can further complicate things.
An Army couple may not understand Marine Corps terms, leading to misunderstandings.
Conflict resolution is another area where gendered expectations can play a role. In many cases, men are expected to be the ones who initiate conflict resolution by taking action and speaking assertively. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be more passive and less aggressive. This can lead to difficulties in resolving disagreements between spouses, as one person may feel pressured to take charge while the other feels powerless. Likewise, military couples may face unique challenges due to their circumstances.
Deployments can create additional stress and anxiety, which can make communication even harder.
Sexual intimacy is another aspect of relationships that can be impacted by gendered expectations. Men are often expected to be sexually dominant and active, while women are expected to be receptive and submissive.
These roles can shift or become blurred in military relationships due to the physical separation involved. When a soldier is deployed overseas, they may miss out on opportunities for intimacy with their partner. This can lead to feelings of guilt or resentment for both parties.
When soldiers return from deployment, they may need time to adjust emotionally and physically, making intimacy difficult.
Gendered expectations about masculinity, femininity, and communication can have significant effects on military couples' interactions. These expectations can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and tension that can strain relationships. It's important for military couples to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and desires to avoid these issues.
Seeking counseling or therapy can help address any underlying concerns or issues related to gender roles.
How do gendered expectations affect communication, conflict resolution, and sexual intimacy in military couples?
Military couples often face unique challenges that can be affected by gendered expectations, which may include differences in communication styles, conflict resolution strategies, and approaches to sexual intimacy. Gender roles and norms can shape how individuals communicate with each other, particularly when it comes to expressing emotions, requesting help, or negotiating disagreements.