The history of military exclusion is rooted in patriarchal power structures that privilege masculinity while rendering femininity subordinate to it. Military service was historically exclusively male-dominated and women were barred from serving because they were perceived as biologically and psychologically unfit for combat roles. The integration of female soldiers into militaries around the world has been accompanied by persistent gender stereotypes about their capabilities, which have led to discrimination, harassment, and other forms of violence against them. Despite these challenges, many argue that allowing women to serve in militaries can help promote gender equality and create more equitable societies.
This argument assumes that simply including women without transforming underlying gender ideology will lead to meaningful change. In fact, the inclusion of females in militaries must be paired with efforts to challenge and dismantle traditional conceptions of masculinity and femininity if it is to truly foster gender equity and justice.
Militaries are institutions that rely heavily on hierarchical power dynamics and strict codes of conduct based on traditional gender roles. Men are typically seen as physically strong, emotionally stoic, and naturally suited for leadership positions, while women are viewed as weak, emotional, and submissive. This binary view of gender perpetuates a culture where men are expected to be aggressors and women victims, leading to harmful attitudes towards both genders. By integrating women into militaries without addressing these norms, they may face further stigmatization and even greater risks of sexual assault or other forms of abuse. Moreover, the persistence of gendered power imbalances within military structures may prevent female service members from advancing to higher ranks or being recognized for their contributions, thereby reinforcing traditional gender roles rather than challenging them.
To achieve true gender equity through military integration, then, we must also address the ways in which gender intersects with race, class, ethnicity, and other social identities. Military cultures are often characterized by rigid social hierarchies that privilege certain groups over others, such as white males from upper-middle-class backgrounds. Integrating women who do not fit this profile could expose them to additional discrimination and marginalization, reinforcing the idea that only certain types of individuals belong in the military. It is therefore crucial to engage in efforts to diversify military recruitment and promote an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and experiences.
Militaries must work to create policies and practices that support families and caregivers, particularly those with nontraditional family structures or responsibilities.
Many military leaders have argued that allowing same-sex couples to serve together would undermine unit cohesion, but research suggests otherwise. Allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly has been linked to improved mental health outcomes among soldiers and increased retention rates. By embracing diverse family arrangements, militaries can create a more welcoming environment for all service members while promoting equality across genders and sexual orientations.
Militaries should prioritize education on gender equity and justice within training programs, leadership development initiatives, and other professional development opportunities. This includes educating troops about the harmful effects of traditional gender norms and providing resources to challenge them.
Militaries should support research on gendered violence and harassment, both within and outside their ranks, and develop policies and protocols to prevent it. These steps will not only improve working conditions for female service members but also promote respect and solidarity across genders.
Including women in militaries without transforming underlying gender ideology is insufficient to achieve meaningful change. Rather, it requires a commitment to challenging rigid power dynamics, creating an inclusive culture, valuing diverse family arrangements, and supporting education on gender equity and justice. Only by taking these steps can militaries become truly inclusive institutions that foster gender equity and social justice.
Is military inclusion meaningful without the transformation of its underlying gender ideology?
While inclusion is certainly an important step towards making the military more equitable for individuals of all genders and sexualities, it is not enough on its own. In order for true equality to be achieved within the armed forces, there must also be a shift in the way that gender roles are understood and perceived within society as a whole.